As it is known, character headcanons are one of the most creative ways fans to be able to interact with their favored stories. It presents a different form of fan expression and discussion in a fan community in a more personal interpretation or extension of character/s. But the tricky part about creating headcanons is that you never want your headcanon to sound better than the original material. So, I examine a few key dos and donts for developing your own character headcanons.
Do: Be True to the Character’s Fundamental Traits
Headcanons should never override character traits and backgrounds. But it also makes sure your head canons fit inside the story universe You can, for example, go to town daydreaming potential narratives for an individual, but these narratives MUST not violate what is previously "known" or currently known about that person. A 2022 survey found that such headcanons are more likely to be accepted and respected by fans, as they are not only often depth-enhancing, but are also mainly consistent with aspects of the character that are known to fans.
Tip 5: Not Ignoring the Original Stories AND Context
Don't form a headcanon that disrespects, or tries to bend the original lore or story for your own benefits. This can create contradictions with the headcanon as well as the actual characters, which, in effect, names both the headcanon and its source even weaker. An example of this would be if a character in a historical period was exposed to modern-day technology and the current explanations that resulted from such exposure would separate that show from viewers and readers who know enough that these explanations of what happened are impossible.
Action Item: Brainstorming Headcanons for Underdeveloped Elements
Headcanons are best used when they explore different aspects of a character that the original does not cover as thoroughly. This could even be the backstory, the motivation, or the relationship of a character. This is one way headcanons like this can give a fleshed-out view as part of the character's backstory to add gravitas to what the character has been through in the story that won't answer this, but headcanon like this can cover what is unanswered. It might be as simple as dreaming up the back story of a side character who is integral to the telling the main story, or to add complexity the reasons for the behaviour of these characters in main story.
Related: The Wrong Way To Make Headcanons
When it comes to subjects like race, gender, sexual orientation, and even mental health things get more serious so you must be respectful and sensitive. It is harmful and offensive to create headcanons which stereotype or misrepresent these characteristics. B]Creating headcanons that are more inclusive and sensitive to multiple perspectives also enhances appeal and demonstrates a valuable appreciation for the complexity and ambiguity of humanity.
Do: Co-Create and Exchange
Community is well established by sharing our headcanons. This makes it possible for feedback and discussion to further refine your ideas. Tumblr, Reddit, and fan fiction sites are excellent venues for engaging in intelligent discourse with others and learning about your headcanons from new perspectives. It also can foster the creation of more nuanced narratives.
Do: state your headcanon is actually canon.
Please keep in mind that these are headcanons and completely unofficial. And, while they can provide other viewpoints or approaches, should not be cannon or the only way to consider a character. A respectful attention to the interpretations of other fans, nourishing a robust and diverse community voice
Leverage Tools for Creativity
If you have trouble thinking up detailed and organized character headcanons, try using resources like the character headcanon creator. It makes it easier to generate headcanons (thus fostering creativity) while ensuring that they are in compliance with the character as they were portrayed in the original work.
Improving Character Narratives
To conclude, making character headcanons creator is both an exercise in creativity and in showing respect for the original piece. Creators who wish to navigate this deliberately can use the following dos and don'ts to make sure their headcanons are as engaging and respectful of the original stories as possible. The point is to add to the narrative experience without overwriting the original essence of the characters in ways take away from the overall fan love for a property.