It's kind of obvious but is it wrong to play as canon characters rather than original ones? I'm just curious to know.
Is it wrong? Of course not. It's just not everyone's cup of tea.
Not at all! I love playing canon characters.
I was informed that playing canon characters is a bit niche here, but there are people that do it!
I was informed that playing canon characters is a bit niche here, but there are people that do it!
Nothing is wrong playing either OC or cannon. I have seen some people using cannon characters to join the roleplay. You just have to find them I guess.
There are some canon characters I'd love to play against myself if they are done well.
Now, I have been around roleplaying and creative writing since the heyday of Dial-Up Internet Access and AOL-Hell Chatroom daze, such as Rhydin Arena, Medieval Tavern, Pirates Cove, Dragon's Lair, Vastale, and GOR (science fiction and fantasy novels by John Norman), This post is MY opinion only... and in MY opinion, it is not wrong at all to play as canon characters, but it does depend on the context of the roleplay or creative work you're involved in.
For example:
1. In Fanfiction or Fan Roleplay, many people enjoy playing as canon characters from a favorite book, movie, or show. It's a great way to explore more of those characters' personalities, put them in different scenarios, or create new interactions. As long as you respect the canon portrayal of the character, it’s a fun and common practice. However, some people prefer to create OCs, as it allows for more creative freedom and unique storytelling.
2. Community and Setting Rules: In some roleplaying communities, especially those focused on original characters, using canon characters might be restricted. For example, in a Dungeons & Dragons game or original roleplay setting, the goal is usually to create new and unique characters. However, in fan-based roleplays, using canon characters is often encouraged.
3. In Original Works or Independent Projects, if you are writing or roleplaying in an original world or setting (not based on existing media), playing as a canon character might not be possible unless you’re using a setting that’s derived from a pre-existing universe (such as a fan-created world). In that case, it’s generally encouraged to create original characters, as that’s what adds uniqueness to your own world.
((Original Works or Independent Projects is where I do not mind. Though I am primarily a one-on-one writer/co-writer type, I do have several groups, that are not really for group play, but provide a pre-ESTABLISHED world or setting (but if they grew to a group play, so be it... the more the merrier). I have canon characters who are NPCs.. and are Want Ads, but writers are afraid to take on canon characters...
For instance: In my groups I have ASSUMABLE NPCS, with many Want Ad CANON CHARACTERS,...
In Shalazar: Want Ads and Assumable NPCs
In Old West: WANT ADs and Assumable NPCs
In Memento Vivere (Renaissance Venetian Republic): WANT ADs, Canons, and Assumable NPCs
In Anachronistic Hearts (steam rp): Assumable Want Ads and NPCs
Soooo... Ultimately, it depends on what you are hoping to achieve with the character. Canon characters offer a rich, pre-established backstory, while original characters let you create something entirely new and personal. But if you offer Canons up for assumable, you set the very basic, and leave the rest to "Player's Choice"
Both approaches are valid, and it's about choosing what fits your goals, interests, and the context you're working within.
Hope this will help you decide... it IS YOUR choice.
All the best and good luck!!!
For example:
1. In Fanfiction or Fan Roleplay, many people enjoy playing as canon characters from a favorite book, movie, or show. It's a great way to explore more of those characters' personalities, put them in different scenarios, or create new interactions. As long as you respect the canon portrayal of the character, it’s a fun and common practice. However, some people prefer to create OCs, as it allows for more creative freedom and unique storytelling.
2. Community and Setting Rules: In some roleplaying communities, especially those focused on original characters, using canon characters might be restricted. For example, in a Dungeons & Dragons game or original roleplay setting, the goal is usually to create new and unique characters. However, in fan-based roleplays, using canon characters is often encouraged.
3. In Original Works or Independent Projects, if you are writing or roleplaying in an original world or setting (not based on existing media), playing as a canon character might not be possible unless you’re using a setting that’s derived from a pre-existing universe (such as a fan-created world). In that case, it’s generally encouraged to create original characters, as that’s what adds uniqueness to your own world.
"Write something to suit everybody and scarcely anyone will care for it;
Write something to suit yourself and many people will like it."
Write something to suit yourself and many people will like it."
“Real life has taught me that in the adult world,
Fate is chaotic and ambiguous.
Strategies for success are subjective.
But in the world of Creative Fiction, at least there is role-playing,
where we are in control, and our characters...
wander through places of danger, their destinies,
superficially, within our grasp.”
Fate is chaotic and ambiguous.
Strategies for success are subjective.
But in the world of Creative Fiction, at least there is role-playing,
where we are in control, and our characters...
wander through places of danger, their destinies,
superficially, within our grasp.”
((Original Works or Independent Projects is where I do not mind. Though I am primarily a one-on-one writer/co-writer type, I do have several groups, that are not really for group play, but provide a pre-ESTABLISHED world or setting (but if they grew to a group play, so be it... the more the merrier). I have canon characters who are NPCs.. and are Want Ads, but writers are afraid to take on canon characters...
For instance: In my groups I have ASSUMABLE NPCS, with many Want Ad CANON CHARACTERS,...
In Shalazar: Want Ads and Assumable NPCs
In Old West: WANT ADs and Assumable NPCs
In Memento Vivere (Renaissance Venetian Republic): WANT ADs, Canons, and Assumable NPCs
In Anachronistic Hearts (steam rp): Assumable Want Ads and NPCs
Soooo... Ultimately, it depends on what you are hoping to achieve with the character. Canon characters offer a rich, pre-established backstory, while original characters let you create something entirely new and personal. But if you offer Canons up for assumable, you set the very basic, and leave the rest to "Player's Choice"
Both approaches are valid, and it's about choosing what fits your goals, interests, and the context you're working within.
Hope this will help you decide... it IS YOUR choice.
All the best and good luck!!!
Looks at topic. Looks at me.
No. I'd say it's not wrong. I actually do have OCs, however, many times, I just love a canon character and often times just give them the fix-its or 'screentime' they deserve in my heart.
No. I'd say it's not wrong. I actually do have OCs, however, many times, I just love a canon character and often times just give them the fix-its or 'screentime' they deserve in my heart.
Nah I don't think it's wrong to use canon characters in roleplays. I do it all of the time with my favorite canon characters.
Just as long as the portrayal of the character is good, then I'm not complaining.
Just as long as the portrayal of the character is good, then I'm not complaining.
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