Exploring Characters Transformation Dynamics in Alternate Universe Fanfiction of Pride and Prejudice

Abstract

Since Henry Jenkins in 1992, the study of fanfiction has evolved significantly, encompassing areas such as feminism, queer theory, and mass culture; nonetheless, many researchers continue to overlook the fundamental aspect that fanfiction is primarily a work of literature, hence neglecting its literary qualities. Due to its significant intertextuality and poacher characteristics, fanfiction serves as an exemplary subject for narratological analysis. The present paper conducts a case study of the alternate universe fanfiction entitle Pride and Five Troubles by JenniferRAKim from Wattpad.com, this fanfiction is based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, in order to demonstrate the literary prowess of fan authors in creating viable character-driven behavior as technique to address instability in fanfiction narrative and further their progression, authors of alternate universe fanfiction demonstrate that this form of amateur writing merits a more rigorous literary analysis. The analysis aims to enhance the recognition of the literary valuable of the fanfiction community, advocating for its classification as a genre rather than merely cultural phenomenon in the future. As a result, that the fanfiction Pride and Five Troubles illustrates that the perspectives of the amateurs’ authors merits consideration as well. In crafting the works, authors do not just replicate the source text, instead, they represent a creative transformation executed by the authors.