Detecting an Overpowered Original Character in Fanfiction

Fanfiction battles the inherent issue of original characters (OCs) becoming too powerful to be believable or enjoyable. Writing an overpowered OC, often referred to as “overpowered OC” or “OP OC,” can be a slippery slope, leading to a less immersive and engaging reading experience. Here’s a guide to recognizing when your OC may be too powerful, using the catchphrase of the purple prose

The Signs of a Potentially Overpowered OC

The first line of defense in spotting an overpowered OC is to examine the signs. While every OC is unique, some common indicators can signal that an original character is pushing the boundaries of logic and believability. Let’s dive into a list of red flags.

1. The Use of Purple Prose

Purple prose, a term that refers to overly ornate and extended descriptions, is often a warning sign that something is amiss with the character. In fanfiction, purple prose can obscure the actual plot and character development, making the story feel less cohesive and more lost in elaborative detail.

2. Receiving Universal Admiration

When your OC is characterized as something that receives praise and affection from everyone, including the protagonists and even the villains, it might be a sign that the character is too powerful. Characters in a story should face challenges and develop through adversity. If the OC is universally beloved, there’s a risk that nothing is standing against them, which might come across as tedious and unrealistic.

3. Earning Difficult or Impossible Tasks

Rarely can an average character easily complete tasks that are deemed difficult or impossible in the story's canon. If your OC can effortlessly do things that would be challenging for other canon characters, it may indicate that the character is overpowered.

4. Swiftly Figuring Out Plots and Countermeasures

Villainous plots and schemes should offer challenges to the protagonists, testing their intelligence, bravery, and creativity. If your OC can always immediately provide the perfect countermeasure and figure out the solution at the first attempt, it may seem like the plot is being skipped. An underdeveloped antagonist or an overpowered protagonist can break the narrative flow.

5. Having Rare or Impossible Superpowers

Characters with unusual or impossible abilities, like telekinesis, pre-cognition, or the ability to become intangible, can quickly escalate to overpowered. In-universe rarity doesn’t automatically mean a character is overpowered, but if these rare or impossible abilities are the primary focus or source of their power, the character may lean too far into the overpowered category.

6. Abundance of Abilities

Having a variety of rare and seemingly impossible powers in one character can create a sense of overpowered ness. According to the adage, Jack of all trades, master of none, an OC with multiple very specific and narrow abilities might be more believable and less daunting for the reader.

7. Self-Inserts

Self-insertion is a form of fanfiction where the author inserts a version of themselves into the story. Although this can provide a personal connection to the narrative, it also risks overshadowing the existing plot and characters. If your character seems to be taking over the story due to their personal or fictionalized identity, it may be time to reassess.

Revising and Refining Your OC

Once you notice these signs, it’s essential to revise and refine your OC to ensure they fit better within the fanfiction universe. Here are a few steps to consider:

1. Evaluate Character Goals and Motivations

Assets in identifying and fixing overpoweredness in your OC include understanding their goals and motivations better. If your character has selfish or hampered goals, this can help the reader empathize with and invest in their story arc.

2. Introduce Challenges and Obstacles

Adding obstacles that your character must overcome can keep the story engaging and credible. These challenges could be personal, environmental, or brought about by adversaries. Facing challenges will allow your OC to grow and become a more interesting character for the reader.

3. Apply the Rule of Three

The rule of three states that anything happening three times is a theme. Limit your character’s extraordinary abilities to a minimum and only during pivotal moments. This approach can make the character’s powers more memorable and impactful.

4. Revise Purple Prose

To avoid the pitfall of purple prose, focus on lean, descriptive language. Cut down on excessive adjectives and adverbs that don’t contribute to the core narrative. Descriptive elements should enhance the story, not obscure it.

5. Balance Relationships and Reactions

Character relationships are a cornerstone of most stories. Ensure that your OC doesn’t receive universal adoration. Let them face conflict, have flaws, and experience failures. Even heroes can make mistakes, testing their spirit and bringing depth to their character.

Conclusion

Being aware of the signs of an overpowered OC is crucial for maintaining a balance between excitement and believability in your fanfiction. By keeping an eye out for purple prose, universal admiration, rare feats, and a surplus of abilities, you can write more engaging and realistic stories. Remember, the best OCs are those who grow and evolve as the narrative progresses, rather than existing as invincible superheroes.