Computational Analysis of Character Representation Shifts Across Online Fan Communities: A Case Study of Harry Potter

Concepts de base

Online fan communities, such as fanfiction and forums, collaboratively reconstruct and renegotiate narrative elements like characters, leading to divergent representations from the original source material.

Résumé

This paper explores how computational methods can be used to capture differences in character representations between online fan communities and the original source material. The study focuses on the Harry Potter franchise, analyzing character mentions, centrality measures, and semantic associations across the Harry Potter novels, the r/HarryPotter subreddit, and Harry Potter fanfiction on Archive of Our Own (AO3).
The key findings include:

Space allocation: Fan communities allocate more attention to secondary and female characters compared to the original novels.

Centrality measures: While fan communities elevate the importance of some secondary characters, the attention boost is focused on a select subset. Main characters in the novels maintain their central positions, but their roles as bridges between other characters are diminished in fan writings.

Semantic associations: The two fan communities exhibit stark differences in their semantic associations of characters, even for the same characters. For example, the male character Draco Malfoy is associated with more feminine and kind attributes in AO3 fanfiction, especially in the context of homosexual romantic pairings.

The results highlight the potential of computational methods to capture the collaborative reconstruction of narrative elements across online communities. This can provide insights into how different groups negotiate and renegotiate the meaning of characters, which may reflect broader social and cultural dynamics.

Stats

"Harry Potter is the most mentioned character across all three sources (canon, r/HarryPotter, AO3)."
"Hermione Granger, a female character, is the third most mentioned character in both fan communities, but only the third most mentioned in canon."
"Draco Malfoy shifts 14 ranks towards kindness and 40 ranks towards beauty in AO3 fanfiction compared to the r/HarryPotter community."

Citations

"Draco shifts 14 ranks towards kindness and 40 ranks towards beauty in AO3."
"Descriptions of Draco in slash fanfiction are more associated with weakness and submissiveness than in the heterosexual context."

Idées clés tirées de

Capturing Differences in Character Representations Between Communities: An Initial Study with Fandom

by Bianca N.Y. ... à arxiv.org 09-18-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.11170.pdf

Questions plus approfondies

How do the affordances and presentation of information on different online platforms (e.g., forums vs. fanfiction sites) influence the collaborative reconstruction of narratives?

The affordances and presentation of information on various online platforms significantly shape how narratives are collaboratively reconstructed within communities. For instance, forums like r/HarryPotter provide a threaded discussion format that encourages real-time interaction and dialogue among users. This structure allows for immediate feedback and the co-construction of narratives through comments, where users can build upon each other's ideas, challenge interpretations, and share personal insights. The non-linear nature of forum discussions fosters a dynamic environment where narratives can evolve rapidly, reflecting the fluidity of storytelling as highlighted in sociolinguistic theories.
In contrast, fanfiction sites such as Archive of Our Own (AO3) offer a more static format where users create and publish longer, cohesive narratives. This environment allows for deeper exploration of character development and plotlines, as writers can take the time to craft intricate stories that may diverge significantly from the original canon. The ability to tag stories with specific themes, genres, and character pairings further enhances the collaborative aspect, as readers can easily find and engage with narratives that resonate with their interests. This tagging system also facilitates the emergence of sub-communities focused on particular interpretations or themes, such as shipping, which can lead to the establishment of "fanon"—shared beliefs and interpretations that may not exist in the original text.
Overall, the structural differences between forums and fanfiction sites influence the nature of narrative reconstruction, with forums promoting immediate, collaborative dialogue and fanfiction sites allowing for more extensive, reflective storytelling. These affordances shape how characters and plots are reinterpreted, ultimately contributing to the rich tapestry of fan culture and narrative fluidity.

What are the implications of the observed shifts in character representations for broader social and cultural dynamics, such as gender norms and stereotypes?

The observed shifts in character representations within fandoms, particularly regarding gender norms and stereotypes, have significant implications for broader social and cultural dynamics. The study highlights that online communities, especially in fanfiction, often elevate secondary and female characters, challenging traditional narratives that prioritize male protagonists. This shift reflects a growing recognition of diverse perspectives and the importance of representation in storytelling, which can influence societal attitudes towards gender roles.
For instance, the analysis revealed that male characters in slash fanfiction are often attributed with feminine-coded characteristics, such as submissiveness and weakness, particularly in romantic contexts. This trend not only subverts traditional masculinity but also opens up discussions about the fluidity of gender identities and the acceptance of non-binary representations. By reimagining male characters in ways that embrace vulnerability and emotional depth, fandoms contribute to a broader cultural dialogue that questions rigid gender norms and promotes inclusivity.
Moreover, the stark differences in semantic associations for characters between communities suggest that fandoms serve as spaces for negotiating and redefining cultural narratives. As fans engage in collaborative storytelling, they actively participate in reshaping societal perceptions of gender, beauty, and morality. This process can lead to a more nuanced understanding of characters and their roles, ultimately influencing how audiences perceive and interact with media representations in the wider cultural landscape.

How can the methods used in this study be extended to analyze the collaborative reconstruction of narratives in other online communities, such as those focused on conspiracy theories or political ideologies?

The methods employed in this study can be effectively extended to analyze the collaborative reconstruction of narratives in other online communities, such as those centered around conspiracy theories or political ideologies. By leveraging computational techniques like mention counts, centrality measures, and semantic axis testing, researchers can gain insights into how narratives are constructed, negotiated, and transformed within these communities.
For example, in the context of conspiracy theories, researchers could analyze discussion threads on platforms like Reddit or specialized forums to identify key figures, events, and themes that emerge within the narratives. By applying network analysis, one could map the relationships between characters (or key figures) and assess their centrality within the discourse. This would reveal how certain individuals or ideas gain prominence and how they connect to broader conspiracy narratives.
Additionally, semantic analysis could be employed to examine the language used in these communities, identifying shifts in meaning and the framing of concepts over time. By comparing the semantic associations of key terms or figures across different platforms, researchers could uncover how language shapes perceptions and reinforces or challenges existing beliefs.
Furthermore, the study's focus on character representations can be adapted to explore how individuals within conspiracy or political communities are portrayed. By analyzing the attributes assigned to these figures, researchers can investigate how stereotypes and biases manifest in these narratives, contributing to a deeper understanding of the social dynamics at play.
In summary, the methodologies from this study provide a robust framework for examining the collaborative reconstruction of narratives across various online communities, offering valuable insights into the interplay between narrative construction, social identity, and cultural discourse.