needs to up my sock game (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
wishfulclicking) wrote2012-01-30 08:35 pm
wishfulclicking) wrote2012-01-30 08:35 pm
Entry tags:
mini meta fest: characterizing 'foreign' characters
What are the limits to characterise a character with a "foreign" background. esp. interested in how to use different languages (e.g. Erik in XMFC fic talking German)
When characterizing a character from a different background--be it location, culture, etc--it's important not to fall to stereotypical portrayals, especially if those stereotypical traits are not present in the character. It's fine if the character displays some traits that are usually associated with a stereotype, but when using that character in the fandom work, it's best to keep an eye on what traits you're playing up and whether or not there's balance.
Foreign is a matter of perspective. What may seem unfamiliar or exotic to one is commonplace and the norm to another, especially in fandom where there's an international audience for most, if not all. Don't rely on external things like a foreign language to do all the heavy lifting for characterization, doing so leads to weak stories and creates a laundry list effect: listing all the things the character does or owns to present traits, but ultimately not delving into anything to make things go beyond shallow. With anything it's really about how you use it: to use your example, does Erik only use German when he's stressed, or when he's comfortable? Does he switch to other languages in a playful manner or is it mostly to shut people out?
Concerning languages, different languages are not strong characterization tools, and should be used in moderation. Writing in another language, especially if you're unfamiliar with it, can be tricky and tools like google translate can lead to comedic errors.
When characterizing a character from a different background--be it location, culture, etc--it's important not to fall to stereotypical portrayals, especially if those stereotypical traits are not present in the character. It's fine if the character displays some traits that are usually associated with a stereotype, but when using that character in the fandom work, it's best to keep an eye on what traits you're playing up and whether or not there's balance.
Foreign is a matter of perspective. What may seem unfamiliar or exotic to one is commonplace and the norm to another, especially in fandom where there's an international audience for most, if not all. Don't rely on external things like a foreign language to do all the heavy lifting for characterization, doing so leads to weak stories and creates a laundry list effect: listing all the things the character does or owns to present traits, but ultimately not delving into anything to make things go beyond shallow. With anything it's really about how you use it: to use your example, does Erik only use German when he's stressed, or when he's comfortable? Does he switch to other languages in a playful manner or is it mostly to shut people out?
Concerning languages, different languages are not strong characterization tools, and should be used in moderation. Writing in another language, especially if you're unfamiliar with it, can be tricky and tools like google translate can lead to comedic errors.