OC
Meaning
An OC is a character created by an author or artist that exists within an existing fictional universe but is not part of the original canon.
Origin
The term "OC," an acronym for "Original Character," is a relatively modern invention, born from the explosive growth of online fan communities. As early internet forums and fanfiction archives blossomed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, creators began populating established fictional worlds—from anime to blockbuster films—with their own unique creations. This wasn't just about writing; artists also started illustrating these characters, sharing them on platforms like DeviantArt. The term became a quick, universally understood shorthand, a badge for characters that, while existing alongside beloved heroes and villains, sprang entirely from the imagination of a fan, allowing for endless new narratives and artistic expressions within shared universes.
Examples
- Many fanfiction writers enjoy developing their OCs to explore new storylines within beloved fictional worlds.
- She spent hours sketching out her new OC, a rebellious wizard with a penchant for mischief in the Harry Potter universe.