OC Woes: a Fanfic Question

[Null_user 126]

I hope this is the right section for this question.

 

Anyway, I'm just curious. I'm relatively new to the fandom, but as a writer, I have taken an immediate and distinct interest in writing fanfiction. All has been coming along well since I've started writing: I like the OC I created for my story, I like the direction of the story, and I think it remains charmingly true to the dynamic of the show.

 

Yet now I've run into a mental wall. Perhaps I'm making too much of a big deal out of this issue in my own head, but I really really really want to follow the common rules of thumb, so to speak, of writing fanfiction so that my story can be the best it can be and be received well by you delightful people.

 

My question is this: is it frowned upon for an OC to be familially related to one of the Mane Six? Is this seen as Mary Sue-ing? I only ask because the vast majority of OC's I see are standalone, if you will. They have their niche in Equestria and pretty much exist (for the most part) independent of the Mane Six.

 

I've done my best to make my OC three dimensional. I honestly wouldn't say he's overpowered or overly perfect. He has flaws, just like the rest of us. But did I go one step too far? 

 

All opinions are appreciated!

[Fidgety Frolic 9]

I've heard a few people say that an OC character being related to a Mane character is considered overused, and possibly uncreative. However, I don't read enough fanfiction myself to have formed an opinion! I guess if you think you can pull it off well, it's worth trying.

[The Awesome One 1,315]

It's not actually BAD but it's frowned upon because as the user above has mentioned, it is just sooo overused. Just like those OC backstories where the parents have died and I'll admit I have an OC like that but I only use it for one RP.

 

But that's for RP'ing as far as I know. I don't think it is frowned upon to do the same for your OC in Fanfics but if you have thought of a good story that requires the Mane 6 then you might as well do it.

Edited August 16, 2013 by The Awesome One

[Standard User 2,127]

(YAY another writer!)

Here's the skinny about cliches and other "overused" elements of writing: if you do it spectacularly and/or in a way no one has used it before, you're golden. I've seen plenty of stories that have an OC related to one of the Mane 6 -- generally, the writer smooshed the pair together to fit a headcanon or force a shipping (ie. SexyPony is related to Twilight, through Twilight meets Pinkie, SexyPony and Pinkie have rampant fun times).

It really depends on the story and the author. Can we get a sneak peek of what you're writing?

[Tails_155 68]

(YAY another writer!)

 

Here's the skinny about cliches and other "overused" elements of writing: if you do it spectacularly and/or in a way no one has used it before, you're golden. I've seen plenty of stories that have an OC related to one of the Mane 6 -- generally, the writer smooshed the pair together to fit a headcanon or force a shipping (ie. SexyPony is related to Twilight, through Twilight meets Pinkie, SexyPony and Pinkie have rampant fun times).

 

It really depends on the story and the author. Can we get a sneak peek of what you're writing?

 

 

Agreed. Clichés are fine if they're done well. Heck, even like, a Deus Ex Machina moment can work if it's executed gracefully and with enough sincerity.

 

I say that keeping common ideas in mind and avoiding matching ALL of them (in fact, subverting them, if done right, can be particularly effective). I may be biased since I have some pretty heavy clichés in my writing. I just try to be wary not to become too generic. Just keep in mind, and always question yourself. "Is this too predictable?" Read it in context, etc.

[Null_user 126]

Thanks for the comments guys! It's kind of as I suspected. The good thing for me is that my plans for this OC are strictly limited to fanfiction. I have no intention of roleplaying with him (I understand that this would be quite ridiculous), so relating him to a canon charcacter is something I'll be ok with.

 

As for the story's plot, cliches and the like: I feel good about my story thus far. I know that what I'm doing with the story isn't the newest thing ever. It's not breaking radical new ground. BUT that was never my intention. My intention is to tell a good tale with good, well-developed characters, and hey, maybe it's a bit cliche too. Predictable? If you don't have any introduction (like you guys did, sorry!), not necessarily maybe just a bit. Especially if you see my sig...

 

Again though, a big BUT: what I'm really going for is, well, charm. I want my story, when read, to feel as close to watching an episode of MLP as it can. Think about your favorite episodes of the show! Were they cliche? Were they predictable? Most often, yes. Not always, but often. Do you still love those episodes? Of course you do!

 

And you want a sneak peak, eh? Hmmmmmmm, let me finish the chapter I'm on, and possibly one more. Trust me when I say it's only just off the ground.