Struggles with Memetic Fanfiction: Character Dissonance and Rewrite Syndrome

As a beloved genre in the world of fanfiction, romantic relationships are a cornerstone of many stories. However, while such narratives can be immensely entertaining and fulfilling, they often come with a set of challenges that can detract from the overall reading experience. One of the most common complaints among fans, particularly those passionate about canonical properties, is the phenomenon of character dissonance and rewrite syndrome. This article explores the specific issues surrounding these phenomena and provides insights into how they can be identified and mitigated.

What is Character Dissonance?

Character dissonance refers to the notable discrepancies between a character's portrayal in original works and their depiction in fanfiction, often leading to disappointment or frustration. This can be particularly evident in fan works that alter a character's personality traits, relationships, and overall demeanor to suit the author's vision of a romantic pairing. For instance, turning a studious bookworm into a princessy girl, or making a hardcore DC superhero soft and sappy, can disorient readers who are invested in the character's original traits.

Character Dissonance in Romantic Fanfiction

A primary example of character dissonance is the excessive rewriting of characters to fit romantic pairings, especially in established works like the Harry Potter series. One of the most infamous examples is the proliferation of fanfiction plots where characters' traits and backgrounds are altered to enable romantic pairings. For example, turning a studious bookworm like Hermione Granger into a princessy girl or a tomboy like Lavender Brown into a dainty princess, with the universe being rewired to accommodate these changes. Such drastic alterations often result in an inauthentic experience that fails to resonate with fans of the original work, leading to a distinct sense of déjà vu and disappointment.

Rewrite Syndrome in Fanfiction

Another prevalent issue in fanfiction is the phenomenon of rewrite syndrome. This encompasses the tendency of authors to completely redo and reshape characters to fit their narrative needs, often disregarding the original source material. This practice is especially evident in the case of Batman fanfiction. The Dark Knight is known for his introverted, brooding, and slightly harsh demeanor, especially when donning the Batsuit. However, many fanfiction writers transform him into a sappy, goofy character that deviates significantly from his established personality. This rewrite syndrome can lead to Batman becoming unrecognizable, and readers might struggle to connect with his character.

Understanding the Author's Intent

While rewrites and reimaginings can be a source of enjoyment, it's essential to understand the author's intent behind such changes. Many fans embrace these reimaginings as creative explorations and playful remakes of their beloved stories. However, when these changes go too far, disrupting the characters' original traits and the overall narrative continuity, they can become a point of contention.

Consequences of Excessive Dissonance

The consequences of excessive character dissonance and rewrite syndrome can be significant. Firstly, it can diminish the overall enjoyment of the fanfiction. As these changes often result in a disconnect from the original work, readers might feel alienated or frustrated. Furthermore, these alterations can undermine the author's respect for the source material, leading to a sense of disrespect among the fanbase. Lastly, such changes can harm the readers' investment in the original characters, making it challenging to engage with the story.

Mitigating Character Dissonance and Rewrite Syndrome

To mitigate these issues, authors should consider a few key principles:

Respect the Original Characters: Stay true to the core traits and relationships established in the original works, unless the author has a compelling reason to do otherwise. Offer Clear Warnings: If significant changes are made, include a clear warning at the beginning of the fanfiction to prepare readers for a different experience. Engage Fans: Encourage feedback from the fanbase to ensure that the narrative aligns with their expectations and preferences. Stay In-Character: Avoid altering a character's fundamental personality traits to the point where they become unrecognizable.

Conclusion

While romantic fanfiction offers a unique and engaging way to explore different storylines and character interactions, it's crucial to balance creative freedom with respect for the original material. Character dissonance and rewrite syndrome can significantly impact the reading experience and the author's reputation. By staying mindful of these issues, authors can create fanfiction that honors the source material while providing new and enjoyable narratives for their audience.