OCs or canon characters?

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

I've noticed some users around that actually prefer OCs to canon characters, so I wanted to ask this question to get some real responses to it.

 

Do you prefer OCs or canon characters, or do you have no preference and like both? What are the benefits and drawbacks to each side, and for what reasons did you pick your side?

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,331]

I prefer both. I have several OCs made that are decently developed. Heck, one of them is shipped with Pinkie Pie. I kind of roll my eyes when someone complains about OCs being shipped with cannon characters. OK, someone wants to live out their fantasists with their OC or they think their OC is a good match for that character. Why should this bother you unless the story is poorly written. Then again you should probably expect most fanfiction to be poorly written seeing as most fan fic writers aren't professional writers. 

[Odyssey 5,717]

Both. I am a sucker for fancharacters as I've been making them for a long time. Contrary to popular belief, many FCs have tonnes of potential, but that said potential isn't used thanks to overused clichés/the fear of being called "unoriginal". Not only that, but I find alternate universes to be very interesting and are a great experimentation with the concept of MLP:FiM. Not to mention that an AU gives more ideas to choose from. Both are rather underrated in my opinion.

 

The canon characters are also great since they're surprisingly relatable characters. It's also great to see them grow over the Seasons. The more you put effort into writing a character, the more your audience wants to see where your main character goes next. This also applies to FCs.

 

But if I were to pick one, it'll have to be canon characters. As much as I love making three-dimensional FCs, seeing canon characters grow feels more satisfying.

Edited December 13, 2014 by The Snowy Odyssey

[Soldier Surplus 232]

Both, I don't mind oc's ( mostly because I have 2) and canon characters. Nor do I mind healthy shipping. 

[Malinter 3,064]

With the right OC you can tell a good story that no existing character in the show can cover without altering their personality so I'm all for them. c:

[TimeyMarey007 110]

I prefer OCs. However, it is limited to only 6 OCs. And they are all only one OC of one unique user. (for more details, it is on my profile)

However, then, all canon characters come at #7, up to #11.

After that, no one else is my favorite, nor someone I hate. They are just in the Zero List.

 

Why do I prefer them?

All the six I chosen are unique, and beautiful characters. They're nicer (looking) than canon characters, and well, no other reason.

Edited December 13, 2014 by TimeyMarey007

[DormantAccount 308]

They both have their merits.

 

Canon characters are usually well written.

 

OCs can be good when properly executed. I'm not a big fan of the dark and edgy backstory or when the character is overpowered.

 

Alicorns I also find a bit dubious in that that sort of thing really has to be earned.

[Silverhoof 2,844]

I prefer OC's for several reasons.

 

1) More male characters.

2) Freedom to make their own stories.

3) Not controlled by Hasbro.

 

Don't get me wrong, I love the Mane 6...but I don't read much fan fiction about them.

The OCs I like are based off the 3 main pony races. I ignore stories featuring alicorns, draconis, griffons and the like.

OCs I don't like are combat fiends, assassins, and ponies who have serious mental problems,

 

A good OC is limited, not a super pony. He has useful abilities for non combat situations. My main OC has 4 spells: only one is an attack spell, and even then it doesn't kill. One is silly, two are useful. In short, he was designed to fit into Equestria.

 

Even in a combat RP, soldiers and unicorns would know things non-combat related. Musical talents are welcome on a lonely night at war. Unicorns might entertain their fellows with silly tricks and illusions. War is 90% boredom and 10% terror.

 

A good OC has a life that predates the story.

Edited December 14, 2014 by Silverhoof

[ThatOneComrade 1,091]

As long as a character keeps my insterest-- which is harder to do than most would think-- it's a good character. I like the cannon characters about just as much as I do some fan characters, like Little Pip or Black Jack. If they're good characters, they've got my vote.

[Invincible 2,091]

Both, really. I'm a big reader of fanfics, i read them all the time. As long as the OCs having interesting, well built personalities and integrate well with the story, and as long as the canon characters stay true to their defined selves, i'm cool with that. That's how i usually like them.

 

OCs can be pretty bland and uninteresting, one-sided characters, but if made properly they can be really interesting and gain even greater depth than canon characters because they can naturally progress in their development as a story unfolds.

 

Canon characters are easier to anticipate and predict due to their supposed natures (assuming this isn't some mirror universe setting), but that isn't necessarily detrimental to the story, it can be helpful because their interactions with the environment around them can be more believable.

Edited December 14, 2014 by Random Insomniac

[IJoinedForPonies 126]

Both, so everyone wins. lol

[Ryzu 984]

CANON OCS FTW

How is that propeller cap spinning o-o

[IJoinedForPonies 126]

How is that propeller cap spinning o-o

 

 

There is a fan off screen. :-P

Edited December 14, 2014 by IJoinedForPonies