What does Fanfiction mean?
Fiction written by fans about existing characters
Detailed Explanation
'Fanfiction' (or fanfic) is a type of creative work written by fans of a particular piece of media (like a book, TV show, or movie) that features the characters and universe of the original work. These stories explore alternative scenarios, character relationships ('ships'), and plotlines that are not present in the official 'canon.' It is a major cornerstone of online fan culture.
Usage Examples
“I was so disappointed with the finale that I went online to read some fanfiction that fixed it.”
“She's a popular author in the Harry Potter fanfiction community.”
“This is a 'what if' scenario that would make a great fanfic.”
Origin & History
While amateur works based on existing stories have existed for centuries, modern fanfiction as we know it grew out of fanzines for shows like 'Star Trek' in the 1960s. It exploded in popularity with the rise of the internet in the 1990s, with dedicated archive sites like FanFiction.Net and later, Archive of Our Own (AO3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fanfiction legal?
Fanfiction exists in a legal gray area regarding copyright law. However, as it is typically a non-commercial, transformative work, it is often tolerated under the principles of fair use, and there is a long-standing culture of creators allowing it to flourish.