Are Fan Fiction Characters OOC with Snape, Sirius, Remus, and Peter?

When delving into fan fiction, especially works centered around the Harry Potter universe, one might question whether characters like Snape, Sirius, Remus, and Peter are Out of Character (OOC). Other characters, such as Lily and James, are more firmly established, making it easier to determine if their fan fiction counterparts are true to the original portrayal. However, for characters with limited screen time, such as Snape in his second-year form, it becomes more complex.

With characters using names like Snape, Sirius, Remus, and Peter, we have both well-established and less known aspects of their personalities. While Snape is a character we see frequently, his actions and interactions in fan fiction can still be scrutinized to determine if he is OOC. Meanwhile, Sirius, Remus, and Peter, while significant, have fewer on-screen appearances, making it more challenging to decide if their fan fiction counterparts are true to the original.

Frank Discussion about OOC in Fan Fiction

The line between original and fan fiction blurs continually as more content is created outside the confines of the original books. This extends even to the Pottermore content, which, in the author’s words, is considered canon. Regardless of the author's approval, the content is fan fiction—an interpretation of the original stories. Similarly, the play Cursed Child is also considered canon.

It’s important to note that lacking detailed information about characters does not automatically make their fan fiction portrayal OOC. In fact, characters like James, who have fewer scenes, can still be depicted in a way that is quite in character (IC). While there are numerous aspects of James’s personality that we know, such as being unprejudiced, funny, and a good friend, their lack of detailed personal preferences does not necessarily make them OOC.

James Potter: A Character’s Depth in Fan Fiction

James Potter is a character whose fan fiction portrayal often reflects a deep understanding of his personality. Even with less screen time, several key aspects of his character are well-known: loyalty to friends, bravery, and selflessness. He was also proud of being in Gryffindor, a talented Quidditch player, and a head boy who could sometimes show off but also valued the input of his friends, particularly Sirius. James sacrificed his life to save a friend, demonstrating his risk-taking nature and noble character.

Though specific preferences like favorite colors, food, or music are not explicitly known, this lack of information does not detract from the overall portrayal of his character. It would not be far-fetched to speculate that James’s love for Quidditch could extend to his role as a captain. Similarly, his fascination with magical theory could suggest a preference for subjects like Charms and Potions, highlighting his depth and complexity as a character.

We can make reasonable guesses about other characters, such as Lily. While we know less about her, her strengths in Charms and Potions, her vivacity, cheekiness, and her willingness to defend her friends paint a clear picture. Her self-respect and kindness suggest that she was a well-rounded and thoughtful character. These elements can be used to create a coherent and OOC-friendly fan fiction portrayal of Lily.

Conclusion

While fan fiction allows for creative interpretation and speculation, it is crucial to base these speculations on the known aspects of a character’s personality. The lack of detailed information about certain preferences or likes does not inherently make a character OOC. Characters like James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter can be portrayed in fan fiction with a high degree of accuracy once the core traits and strengths are taken into account.

By focusing on universally known attributes, fan fiction writers can create rich, detailed, and true-to-character portrayals that maintain the essence of the beloved Harry Potter universe.