Character creation glossary
An original character, usually shortened to OC, is a fictional character created by a fan, writer or player rather than an existing character taken from a published work. An OC can live in an original setting or a familiar fictional universe. The term describes authorship, not a particular art style.
Definition
An original character is a creator’s own fictional character, often called an OC in art, fandom and roleplay communities. An OC has its own identity rather than simply being an established character played again. It can be designed for a new world or placed in an existing setting. Calling a character an OC does not, by itself, settle questions about rights to borrowed names, images or settings.
By the Prelulu editorial team · Updated
A roleplay community’s definitions of IC, OOC and OC; conventions can differ between groups.
Explains shared storytelling and leaving the other participant’s reactions for them to decide.
A lighthouse keeper who has received a letter dated tomorrow has a job, a puzzle and a reason to ask for help. Add what they want, what they misunderstand and how they speak. An image can establish appearance; these choices establish an interactive character.
You can enjoy a trait such as a favorite character’s dry humor without copying the whole character. Give your OC a different history, motivation and relationship to the scene. Changing a name alone says little about how independently the character was created.
Decide what the OC knows at the start, what they want from the encounter and what they leave for the user to choose. Avoid writing the reader’s response into the opening. That gives the character a clear starting point and the user room to participate.
FAQ
Yes. Fans often create an original character who inhabits an existing world. The OC label describes the character’s origin; it does not mean the entire setting is original.
It can supply a visual design, but a roleplay character also needs an identity and a perspective. Background, motives and behavior determine how the character responds once a conversation begins.
Yes. An OC can be a companion, rival, guide, mentor, teammate or someone with a story to tell. Romance is one possible relationship, not part of the definition of an original character.
Choose a character for conversation, roleplay or a live call. Check the current plans and available credits before calling.
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