Why use mostly OCs, and not canon characters?

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That's kind of a large question. When I first came up with the idea for a Danganronpa-inspired MLP fanfic I did initially consider using all canon characters (as several other fics on this site have done), but while developing the story ideas a few key aspects pushed me to consider switching to an OC-focused tale.

Firstly, one of the main tenants of the Danganronpa game series is the opportunity to learn about other characters and their backstories, watch characters develop friendships, rivalries, and come to understand each other better in such dire circumstances. Using all canon characters restricts this opportunity, as most of them already know about each other and you're left with adding in bits and bobs from side-characters. It also means many characters can be written off in the "There's no way they could possibly commit murder and if they do, it's completely out of character and therefore BS." With mostly OCs, we're left to wonder with what has been learned about them so far and what their capabilities might be.

Secondly, while developing the overall story, surrounding mystery and reason for the killing game in the first place, I found myself severely hampered when coming up with ideas that centered around canon characters and felt that I had many more options when considering the use of OCs. It also meant I could tailor their skillsets and motives with the murder methods and subsequent trials more naturally, which were by far the most difficult parts of the story to nail down.

Thirdly, I pretty much stopped watching the show around the middle of season 4. I guess by that point I realized that I enjoyed fanfiction far more than I enjoyed the actual show, and kind of got bored of it, I guess? Meaning I haven't seen nearly two thirds of the show and feel no need to "catch up" as it were in order to follow canon to a tee. While I could have used a "follows canon from season X" note, I feel like that would only succeed in tripping me up later on if I presented misinformation that was required for the story. I checked some of the info after the show ended and decided while a couple aspects might contradict the "future" as dropped in the final episode, almost everything else could co-exist within canon as people know it.

Fourthly and finally, well... It just turned out that this was the story I wanted to write. I really enjoyed developing all the characters in ways that I couldn't do otherwise. I got to start from scratch, and that in turn saw the story mold itself around these characters and the directions they seemed to go in. I've written a bunch of stories with canon characters already, but this has been a different experience altogether.

I love how often Greyscale gets lost in thought about holding a mare. Dopple and Mesmer are both a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma; I've no clue what to think of them yet. I hope Reph gets more characterization soon; I feel that he's the most underdeveloped.

Congratulations on reaching 100,000 words! I hope there may there be many more to come.

Group two consisted of Maribelle, Button, Dish Panner and Elise

"Elise" should be "Elsie"

unless they reside within dome alongside us

Should be "within the dome"

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I love how often Greyscale gets lost in thought about holding a mare.

Me: "An author's work is not necessarily a reflection of themselves. Art and literature exist beyond simply being a lens through which we can observe the one who created it."

Also me: "Greyscale thought long and hard about cuddling an adorable mare. In fact, it was all he ever thought about."

Ahem.

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Well damn. This is a bit awkward. It pains me to have to give this answer, but...

It wasn't an oversight.

P.S. You're going to have to stop noticing these details or you'll end up figuring everything out too early!

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Thank you so much for your comments, Sgt. Frog! Sorry it took me so long to reply.

Work on the fic is being done in drips and drabs right now, but it's still moving along somewhat steadily. The next chapter is shaping up to be the longest one so far, and I don't really have a breakoff point that would allow me to split it in two, so it'll take a little while. I haven't helped myself by starting work on some non-MLP short stories, but having so many ideas means sometimes I just have to let loose onto the page. If all goes well, I should have it uploaded by the end of the month.

And I just realized that the fact that I’ve grown to like her will make it more devastating if she dies…

While I won't be revealing what happens to each character (obviously), I will say this story will have some extensive characterization, development, and interactions, all in the name of bringing you - the readers - closer to them in some way. Be it through likability, relatability, intrigue, sympathy or something else beyond, I want each character to mean something, and by extension, for their potential deaths to mean something. I could just keep skipping to "the exciting part", i.e. the next trial, but... that's not my style. I hope you'll stay along for the ride.

Well now. This has been a serious change of pace compared to the other fics I've been reading recently, and I'm glad I made the choice to see what was here. Looking forward to the future of this fic, no matter how long it takes- in fact, I pray it takes a while, that means it's been cared for. You, good Scriptor, have me enraptured by this Ultimate Nobody in a killing game- well done.

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Thank you ever so much! Always glad to hear from another fan of this story. I will do my best.

The next chapter is taking some time... I was hoping to have it uploaded before the end of the month but it's shaping up to be even longer than I anticipated. Still, work on it is continuing!

Desperately trying to remember to comment inbetween binging this fic. XD

Loving this so far. I really do like that the MC isn't perfect or boring in any way. He has his flaws, and his own dislikes instead of trying to get along with everyone.

That being said... my unreliable narrator senses are tingling.

Okay ya está confirmado (por al menos para mí) que Dopple, no es confiable, siento que oculta algo y seguramente no será lindo