Fannarratives

Fannarratives, often shortened to fanfic, are works of fiction written by fans of a particular piece of existing media, such as a book, movie, television show, or video game. These stories typically feature characters, settings, or plot elements from the original source material but are created without the permission of the original copyright holder. Fannarratives explore various aspects of the original work, often delving into character relationships, expanding on unexplored plot points, or imagining alternative scenarios.

The practice of fannarratives has a long history, with roots in the early days of science fiction and fantasy fandoms. The advent of the internet and online communities significantly boosted their proliferation, allowing fans to easily share their creations with a global audience. Platforms dedicated to hosting and discovering fanfiction have become integral to fan cultures.

Fannarratives can take many forms and genres, mirroring the diversity of the original media. They can be romantic, adventurous, humorous, dramatic, or even experimental. Writers often explore "what if" scenarios, explore characters' backstories, or engage in shipping, which involves pairing characters romantically. While fannarratives are generally shared freely among fans, they are distinct from official or licensed derivative works due to their non-commercial nature and fan-originated status. The creation and consumption of fannarratives are a significant aspect of fan engagement and demonstrate a deep connection to and creative interpretation of beloved media.