At 07:47 PM 9/5/96 -0500, you wrote:
On Thu, 5 Sep 1996, George Mori wrote:
I was reading some of the C & C for my fanfic (*PLUG* Facades, read
it if you haven't *PLUG*) and noticed that much of it said that Nabiki, the
main character was out of character in what she did (lewd pics of Akane.)
But isn't writing some types of fanfics SUPPOSED to be out of character a
bit? I mean trying to see how certain situations would play out? I think,
that my situation wasn't too out of character, though it was a bit. But to
get tot the point, (as I tend to ramble.) how far IS too far out of
character. I know there is a line, but where do you think it is? I'm just
trying to get a general feel for the thoughts here. Either way here is THE
OOC short fic of a lifetime.
I apologize in advance, because this has been brewing inside me for quite
some time.
No need. I AM looking for varied opinions.
When I first arrived on the ML, I lurked for a day or two, because I
wanted Burned and Broken to be my entrance. This meant I had to keep
silent about a couple of fics that I found to be lacking. Of them, the
_worst_ of them was a self-proclaimed darkfic, one in which Ryouga rapes
Akane, blows up the dojo, then years later finds a kid that looks strangely
like himself ready to kill. It frustrated the heck out of me - but I
could say nothing.
Never read it, I always thought ti seemed WAY WAY too twisted. I'd
like to read it out of curiosity. (So I can slam the author. <j/k>)
Now I am saying something.
A "darkfic" is NOT an excuse to go OOC. What a good darkfic does is have
tragic events happen to the lives of the main characters, which shape
them to "darker" forms. By explaining the events and the changed mental
workings of those involved afterwards, no OOC violation occurs, and the
story makes much more logical sense.
I think Well, Well, did this fairly well (npi), but I still wouldn't
go out that far. IMO, a little OOC is ok, slight (fairly slight at best.)
changes are ok. Too far isn't IMO. Example, being the fic in question. That
IMO is too far. Maybe I'm pre-judging, but it seems that one I have the
liberty to.
------------SNIP---------------------<<
Interesting. I'll look for it.
Just a little side bit here: I can think of at least two "darkfics" in
which the author never thought it was dark until others pointed it out.
If you set out to do an intentional "darkfic", be careful. You may be
stepping over the line. Be sure to check yourself, keeping in mind
what the characters will and won't do in given non-tragedy situations.
Once the tragedy occurs, start to shape them - show a little bit of
anger and sorrow, then show the changes that the anger and sorrow
bring. I rewrote the Nabiki scene in "Burned and Broken" because I
realized I wasn't showing enough of Nabiki's anger to explain her going
off to the Niichieju village. I fixed that by showing her memories
concerning Akane's death - then the venting of the anger that accompanied
the memories.
Interesting point. reasons for actions are always good. I STILL
don't really consider Facades too OOC for Nabiki. (Using myself as an
example) Most of the C & C I recieved talks about her never going that far
with pics of Akane. Well, I'm not so sure, IMO, she could, and the reason I
wrote the fic is to show what would happen IF she did. The fic has really
really strayed from the path I originally went for, but I am, pleased with
the results. B & B sounds good, (haven't read it yet, haven't had the
time... sorry. DID get my attention though.) having a reason to do somthing
is paramount. I DID have the idea for the Ryoga rape thing a while ago,
thinking "What would happen if...?". I'm still planning to write the fic,
but am doing it MUCH different than the "other" one. First off, no, Ryoga
deosn't actually do it, (ie complete it.). HE's under the control of a drug.
That IMO opens up an interesting can of worms, laying blame and such. (It
should be the follow-up to Facades, after that the series will get...
happier for lack of a better word.) having Ryoga attempt to rape Akane is
OOC, that's why you need a reason. I like your idea though I don't agree
with it 100%. I think a 'bit' of OOC is ok, just don't re-write the character.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nicholas Leifker, aka "Nightelf"
nwl9354@tam2000.tamu.edu
"Pronouns are so _difficult_ with these characters..."
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