Selftangents

Selftangents is a term used within certain online fandom communities to describe fan-created content that explores characters or relationships that are not canonically part of the original work. This can encompass a wide range of creative expressions, including fanfiction, fan art, and role-playing scenarios. The focus of selftangents is typically on creating new narratives, characters, or pairings that diverge from established canon.

The origin of the term is rooted in the concept of "self-insert" characters, where a fan creates a character who represents themselves within the fictional world. Selftangents expands upon this by allowing for the introduction of entirely original characters, or even exploring aspects of the existing canon that were not previously addressed. This can involve creating original characters who interact with canon characters, or developing new romantic or platonic relationships between existing canon characters that have not been depicted in the source material.

The creation of selftangents is a form of transformative work, where fans engage with existing intellectual property to produce new creative content. This practice is common across many fandoms and allows for a deeper exploration of characters and worlds, offering alternative perspectives and narratives. The appeal of selftangents lies in the freedom it provides fans to shape and expand the fictional universes they are passionate about.