Canon

Definition

In the context of storytelling, a canon refers to the official and accepted body of works, characters, events, and elements that make up a fictional universe. This concept is crucial for maintaining consistency and continuity within narratives, especially across different media, as it helps audiences understand what is considered 'true' within that universe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The canon often dictates which stories or character arcs are considered legitimate within a franchise, influencing fan interpretations and discussions.
2. Creators may choose to establish a 'soft' or 'hard' canon, where soft canon includes more flexible interpretations while hard canon is strictly defined.
3. In transmedia storytelling, different media formats can introduce new elements to the canon or reinterpret existing ones, allowing for richer storytelling experiences.
4. The notion of canon can evolve over time as creators release new works or reimagine existing ones, leading to debates within fandoms about what should be considered canonical.
5. Canon is essential for transmedia storytelling strategies because it helps to unify disparate narratives, ensuring they contribute cohesively to the overarching story.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of canon affect the consistency and understanding of narratives in transmedia storytelling?
  • Canon plays a vital role in ensuring consistency across various media platforms in transmedia storytelling. It establishes a framework that dictates which characters, events, and narratives are deemed official within a fictional universe. This helps audiences engage with the material more deeply, as they can rely on established truths and relationships when exploring different stories. Without a clear canon, narratives might become fragmented or contradictory, leading to confusion among audiences.
• Discuss the impact of expanded universes on the perception of canon within popular franchises.
  • Expanded universes significantly influence how fans perceive canon by adding layers of depth to established stories. They introduce new characters, plots, and settings that can either align with or diverge from the main canon. This creates opportunities for richer storytelling but also sparks debates about what constitutes 'true' narratives. Fans may engage in discussions about the validity of expanded content versus original works, which can lead to differing interpretations and loyalty toward certain elements within the franchise.
• Evaluate how changes in canon can shape audience engagement and reactions over time in long-running franchises.
  • Changes in canon can drastically alter audience engagement by reshaping their understanding of beloved characters and story arcs. When creators introduce new elements or reinterpret existing ones, it can lead to excitement or frustration among fans. For example, if a beloved character's backstory is revised in a new installment, it may create division among long-time followers who have their own interpretations. Ultimately, these shifts in canon not only impact how stories are received but also influence community discussions and fan theories as audiences adapt to evolving narratives.

Related terms

continuity: The seamless integration of story elements that ensures a consistent narrative across different stories and media within a fictional universe.

expanded universe: A collection of additional stories, characters, and lore that build on the original works of a fictional universe, often outside the main canon but still recognized by fans.

fandom: A community of fans who share an interest in a particular fictional universe, often engaging in discussions about canon and non-canon elements.