This week: Spec-Fic Characters - Alpha/Omega Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
Some meandering thoughts about the concept of an omegaverse and stories that use the alpha/omega bonds as a prominent part of the story. Mentions of shifters and other options to consider when writing these types. |
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There is a type of story that I've been checking out after having spent some time avoiding the type as they are found in fiction and graphic novels/manga. These stories involve a particular set of characters: the alpha and the omega. Sometimes called omegaverse, the stories are done in a world where a character is often looking for (or avoiding) the possible mate with the dominant character is called an alpha while there are matches for them, referred to as an omega. It is often found in romance/erotica stories but are used in fantasy and science fiction worlds.
Just one quick note of warning, if you want to search these types of stories: many of them contain adult content. The connection between the characters, sometimes called a mate bond, is often manifested in a physical way. It's kind of like taking the wedding night first time together and amplifying the concept. There might be some that use a different, magic connections, but most of the stories will have an adult content. That includes the mangas, which are graphic on a different level.
So, let's talk a little bit about how stories can come from this matching between alpha and omega characters. There are a few things to consider for this. That includes how they fit in the speculative fiction genres, the type of world issues and development produced, and the connections or pairings one can use.
The Animal Connections: Shifters
For some of the characters, it is more than just a connection to an animal. They can actually shifts from human form into their animal form. Sort of like Animorphs. While not required, the aspect of needing to shift can be used to create some personal conflicts. Certain animals are more common that others considering the shift element, which also gives popularity to popular reasons for shifting. Wolves are a prime example. Many alpha/omega books involve a wolf character and for some good reasons. Shifting between human and wolf has its place in fiction, whether in an omegaverse or not, considering the concept of werewolves and such. There is the possible use of moon cycles to give patterns or reasons for shifting, whether the person has control of that or not. Plus, the concept of the pack is often used for character and story conflicts.
That doesn't mean the worlds are limited to the expected animals like wolves, lions or bunny rabbits, even if they are common ones. There is a book I'm hoping to read some day that involves penguins. I am hoping it was influenced by a movie, the Pebble and the Penguin, but won't know until I find it. There are also some I've seen posted on a reader group that include both land and sea creatures. One, for example, has an orca shifter. Even mythical creatures are an options. Dragons are popular and I've read one mini series that includes a phoenix. And the pairings don't have to be the same type of animal either. Some might stick to limited animal ranges, like focusing on just wolf packs. However, others will give variety. It could be a wolf with a rabbit, a lion with a hawk, fox and a raven... Could even involve a cranky wolf with a smart mouthed mage. Variety of options are available when creating the pairs.
Magic or Space
Not all of the alpha or omega characters are part animal. Some could be an alien race, since it's also a type that could be found within science fiction. It could also be humans who have different abilities, instead of the connection to a particular animal. An example could be an omega who needs their alpha to help give balance or control for their magic, but finding the right mate could involve intergalactic travel or the story may lead to the risk of space wars. The type of connection between the two is something that gives good cause for imaginative reasons, whether based on science or magical in nature. On the other hand, it's also possible to keep them as close to regular as possible since some people do like to claim they are alphas (though often if a guy is barking online about being an alpha, he probably is not one). The type of world can have an influence on how the story develops, which is something that will need a deeper look in a different newsletter. For now, just know there are many options within our genres for how one can use these types of characters.
This all is just the tip off the ice berg when it comes to the topic. I will go into a little more detail on the difference between the types of characters in their own newsletters. Each character will need more focus to understand how the work and relate to each other. Plus, there is a third option, known as the beta. Also, the difference between mate and fate mate will be a topic for a romance/love newsletter in the future. For right now, we will start with the fact it's an option. What type of character would work for an alpha? Who would make a good omega? Is it possible that one might go against the grain and not fit the stereotypes involved for the characters? What do you think? |
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What do you think about different alpha and omega characters in speculative fiction?
Last month, I wrote about both the beginning and the end of a story. For some people, one of them is easier to write than the others. Of course, that doesn't consider the rest of the story either, which is its own hurdle. Here are a couple of comments sent in regard to that topic:
Comment by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling 
The beginning and end are easy - it's the rest in the middle that's the hard part.
Comment by dragonwoman  
The middle! I usually have a beginning of sorts and I can cobble an ending, but the middle is the gibberous monster that can keep me from going from B to E.
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Fantasy: January 24, 2024 Issue [#12374]
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