Underkloner

Underkloner is a term that emerged from a specific online community, primarily associated with fan fiction and role-playing forums. It refers to a character archetype that is a younger, less experienced, or subordinate version of an existing, more established character. The "underkloner" often mirrors the main character's traits, abilities, or appearance but with a notable difference in maturity, power level, or social standing.

The concept typically arises in fan-created narratives where creators explore alternate timelines, origins, or character dynamics. The underkloner might be a past self, a genetically engineered duplicate, or a magically created replica of a beloved character. This allows for the examination of character development, the exploration of "what if" scenarios, and the introduction of a character that evokes a sense of familiarity while offering a fresh perspective.

The use of the term "underkloner" suggests a deliberate imitation or replication, with the "under" prefix emphasizing the subordinate or less developed nature compared to the original. While not a widely recognized term in formal literary criticism, it serves as a useful shorthand within certain fan communities to describe this particular character trope. Its application is generally limited to fan-created content and discussions surrounding it.