I don't really get the appeal of background ponies.

[Castle Bleck 19,390]

Then why don't they just create their own OC?

 

Technically, they already are.

[Fractured 2,684]

Then why don't they just create their own OC?

Having ones already in the show is more exciting, and, at least for me, makes me feel more connected to the fandom. Not everyone knows about your OC. Pretty much everyone knows at least one background pony or another.

[MysticShine 529]

Technically, they already are.

The personality they have created is the original character. The design and certain traits are taken from the show, so it's more like a half bred OC.

[zombienixon 330]

The interpretations of the characters in fan works can be entertaining and likeable, also, they're cute.

[Castle Bleck 19,390]

The personality they have created is the original character. The design and certain traits are taken from the show, so it's more like a half bred OC.

 

Exactly; they're projecting their OC traits onto the background Ponies.

[MysticShine 529]

Exactly; they're projecting their OC traits onto the background Ponies.

I don't know. I just don't understand. I like to always create my OCs' from scratch.

[Castle Bleck 19,390]

I don't know. I just don't understand. I like to always create my OCs' from scratch.

 

Different strokes for different folks, it seems.

 

[Leonard Smix 421]

Its an opinion.. you dont have to like background ponies.

 

I never saw them as OCs, i see OCs ad fan-made original characters, and i see background ponies and background characters in the show who have not yet been given a personality. This gives us potential to come up with our own fan story. Different from an OC, it is in the actual show, and is actually used. 

 

But, again, its just me, you dont have to see the appeal if you do not wish. 

[darkwingmare 1,321]

I LOVE background ponies. To me, however, the "main" background ponies aren't as interesting as the BACK background ponies. Those who have barely got any attention from anyone at all. Such as Picture Perfect, Action Shot and Care Package... (As seen in order under the spoiler tag.)

 

 

   

 

 

They all have official names and appearances, but no one gives a flying fudge about them and who they might be. Now, this is very interesting to me; to see who these ponies could turn out to be. It's not like creating an own OC, but it's to make your own headcanons for already existing ponies. I know that already happens for example Sobra, Discord, Applejack, people assume things about their past that isn't officially announced are true. Many people have their own headcanons for even the main characters, that already gets a lot of attention and story to them. People make up stories to why Sombra became evil, if Discord was a pony back in time, how Applejack's parents died, etc etc. I think it's only natural to develop headcanons for the background ponies as well, that way.

 

I have several background ponies in the BACKGROUND, that no one have ever noticed very much. I've gotten into them, and made my own image of what these ponies might be capable of and what their personalities are like. They are all so pretty and well planned in their design and name, they've got a cutie mark, but then there's nothing more to them than that. That makes me curious to know more.. And since I'm such a big fan of unknown things, pretty color schemes and cute background ponies... I'm more than willing to take these ponies on to discover what talents they've got, and so on.

 

I think that the background ponies and those designs that doesn't get as much attention is far more interesting than the ponies everybody talks about and knows about, such as the mane 6, the princesses and the main background ponies; Vinyl, Lyra, etc. These ponies that I've discovered are special, unique and unknown and that really catches my interest.

I personally see it as a chance to use your fantasy and be creative, creating a character personality by only looking at their name and appearances! 

Edited March 2, 2015 by darkwingmare

[. eris . 1,661]

That is essentially like creating an original character though.

 

It is. We're collectively, as a community, creating original characters with the personalities and backstories to fit. Sure, we all have our own interpretations of them, but we typically agree on a couple of standard rules. And to top it all off, this is encouraged by the producers and writers of the show--we're getting a whole episode just for background ponies in S5 apparently. 

 

I personally like background ponies because of their designs--they're so fascinating and unique. I mean, I know Vinyl Scratch's manestyle is one of the most popular things right now, but it wasn't when she first appeared. 

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,162]

When it comes to background ponies, people (like me) will be caught by a pony who has an interesting design and will try to put a personality on it. I love seeing Octavia as the high-class cello/double bass player who possible comes from a rich background, and may or may not have a relationship/friendship with a certain DJ.

 

Honestly, while I get your point, we just get caught by a design we like and naturally put a personality to it.

[Pastel 7,630]

Some of them have a nice design/voice, and simply look more interesting than the main characters.

They are more mysterious than the main characters as they don't talk a lot, some people (like me) like mysterious characters...

Unlike the main characters, we don't know much about them so we're free to imagine stories and connections between them.

[Tao 8,284]

I think one reason we love the background ponies is many of

them do not have a: cast.   They are just "there" as place holders

but something might catch a fan's eye who may like the show

but not the Mane six and also fans have brought these ponies

a "sense of life" like we have seen in: Derpy/Dr.Hooves/Lyra/

Bon-Bon/ and etc and embraced by the fans!

 

It lets us have fun,  make up stories and etc and just have

a branch of the fandom to have fun in and kinda also

call our own from the Mane Six!  Derpy and Dinky are

my fav background ponies!

[Panne 1,342]

While I enjoy a lot their designs I'm not to keen on the fanon personalities they've been stereotyped with. Like Lyra like humans, where did that come from why? My least favorite fan interpretation is Vinyl Scratch actually, she is like the Rainbow Dash of the background characters. Like electro and wears tinted shade, she must be a loud, obnoxious, part girl! It almost like fans make her cool because if a hater how up they can say, "Nah man mlp ain't girly. Look at Vinyl Scratch, she's so cool yo, and dude bruh, she's like totally a tomboy so I don't feel insecure about liking her because look how dude-ish she is!!!!1!!11" Not to mention every on that wants their O.C. to look edgy copy pastes her mane...

[AmberDust 1,118]

I'm not a fan of them either.

 

But I think the reason people like them is because they see them as a blank slate. So many possibilities for people who are into writing fanfics but dont think their OC will attract any attention.

 

That's why a friend of mine is obsessed with the Koopalings. -_-

That is essentially like creating an original character though.

Yeah but if you use a background pony, you'll feel more like your ideas are "canon" or important. Even if they aren't. At all.

[Alan Crytex 165]

What are they really into the background ponies is their stories. Most people are curious about this, I'm not really into it but I wish there's a episode where it will show their stories