what is an au

3 min read 14-03-2025

Meta Description: Dive into the world of Alternate Universe (AU) fanfiction! Learn what AUs are, explore popular AU types, understand their appeal, and discover how to write your own compelling AU story. Uncover the creative possibilities and explore the diverse range of AU genres and tropes. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of AU fanfiction, explaining its appeal to both writers and readers.

Understanding Alternate Universe (AU) Fanfiction

Alternate Universe (AU) fanfiction is a type of fan-created story that reimagines existing characters and settings in a different context. Instead of following the established canon, AUs explore "what if" scenarios, placing familiar characters into new worlds, genres, or situations. This creative freedom allows for endless possibilities and provides a unique avenue for exploring character dynamics and relationships in fresh, exciting ways. The core concept of an AU is the departure from the established storyline, allowing for limitless narrative experimentation.

Why are AUs so popular?

The immense popularity of AUs stems from several factors:

Creative Exploration: AUs offer a playground for writers and readers to explore their favorite characters in ways never imagined by the original creators. This can lead to unique character development and compelling storylines.
New Perspectives: Placing characters in different settings or genres allows for fresh perspectives on established characters, revealing hidden facets of their personalities and relationships.
Wish Fulfillment: AUs often cater to reader desires, offering alternative outcomes to canonical events or exploring "ships" (romantic relationships) not present in the original work.
Genre Bending: AUs allow for genre experimentation, transforming a character from a fantasy novel into a detective in a noir thriller, or a superhero into a high school student navigating the complexities of teenage life. This blending of genres can lead to surprising and engaging narratives.

Common Types of Alternate Universes

The world of AUs is vast and varied. Here are some popular types:

1. Modern AU (Modern!AU):

This is perhaps the most common type of AU. It transplants characters from their original setting into a modern-day world. This allows for exploring the characters' personalities in a contemporary context, often leading to humorous or relatable situations. Imagine your favorite fantasy characters navigating the complexities of social media or dealing with everyday issues like finding a job.

2. High School AU (High School!AU):

A classic AU trope, the high school AU depicts characters as teenagers attending high school. This often focuses on character relationships, rivalries, and the trials and tribulations of adolescence. It provides a relatable setting to explore character dynamics in a familiar context.

3. College AU (College!AU):

Similar to the high school AU, the college AU places characters in a college setting. This setting offers opportunities for exploring themes of independence, newfound freedoms, and discovering one's identity, while still providing a structured environment for character interaction.

4. Superhero AU:

This AU places characters into a superhero world, with powers and abilities, often inspired by comic books. It's a popular choice to explore characters' strengths, weaknesses, and moral dilemmas in a high-stakes, action-packed environment.

5. Fantasy AU:

This AU transplants characters into a magical fantasy world, often incorporating elements of mythology, magic, and fantastical creatures. It allows for exploring the characters’ reactions to a world vastly different from their own, revealing their resilience and adaptability.

6. Historical AU:

Characters are placed into a specific historical period, allowing for exploring how they might react to the societal norms, conflicts, and technological limitations of that time. This can offer insightful commentary on social issues and explore the characters' moral compasses.

7. Zombie AU:

This AU places characters in a post-apocalyptic zombie infested world. It offers a high-stakes, survival-focused narrative with opportunities for exploring themes of survival, teamwork, and moral compromise.

8. Vampire AU:

This AU immerses characters in a world filled with vampires and the often-complex moral and social issues associated with them.

How to Write Your Own AU Fanfiction

Creating a compelling AU requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips:

Choose Your AU Type: Select an AU type that aligns with your character's personalities and the story you want to tell.
Maintain Character Consistency: While altering the setting, strive to maintain the core essence of your characters' personalities.
Develop a Compelling Plot: Create a plot that is engaging and relevant to the chosen AU.
Worldbuilding: If your AU involves a significantly different setting, make sure to develop a consistent and believable world.
Respect Canon: While you're departing from canon, be mindful of the established lore and avoid blatant contradictions.

Conclusion

Alternate Universe fanfiction offers a boundless landscape of creative possibilities. By understanding the different types of AUs and the key elements of writing a compelling AU story, you can unlock the potential of this exciting genre and bring your favorite characters to life in entirely new ways. Whether you're a writer or a reader, the world of AUs is a vibrant and ever-expanding space for imagination and storytelling. So, dive in and explore the endless possibilities!