| abbr | term | explanation |
| Anonymous | A fanfiction written by an author who does not want to reveal his or her identity. See 'Pseudonym'. |
| Antagonist | A canon or non-canon main character whose methods or purposes are an obstacle to resolving the plot, or a character who actively attempts to impede the protagonist. Unlike Villains, however, Antagonists do not have to be evil and they can even be sympathetic. Londo Mollari is the prime example of a sympathetic antagonist. See 'Hero/Heroine'. |
| Beta Reader/Editor | That very important person a fanfiction author sends his or her new epic to for proofreading before it gets thrown up for the world to see. Hopefully, a beta reader will catch any mistakes in continuity, grammar and spelling that the writer misses. The difference between a beta reader and an editor is that a beta reader just reads and comments. An editor, OTOH, is empowered to make changes to the story. Most fic authors don't want the level of detail that comes from an editor, so they stick with beta readers. |
| Canon | Literally, a book written while under divine inspiration and approved for inclusion in the Bible. When used in reference to Babylon 5, elements are 'canon' if J Michael Straczynski wrote them, confirmed them or they appeared in an episode or one of the accepted B5 novels. Only JMS or someone he authorizes can develop canon B5 material. With all that said, what constitutes canon within B5 is still sometimes a matter for debate as (much like the true Great Maker) JMS has contradicted himself on occasion. That's his story and he's sticking to it. ;) |
| Characterization | In Babylon 5 fanfiction, characterization refers to how accurately and faithfully the fic author recreates the nuances and personality of a canon character, or how believably he or she develops a non-canon character. Ultimately, the fic author wants the reader to accept the character as true to the one J Michael Straczynski developed (canon) or as one JMS could have developed (non-canon). See 'Plot', 'Setting', 'Dialogue'. |
| Cliffhanger | Ending a fanfiction installment with the survival of the main character/characters in doubt, or the outcome of a major plot thread unresolved. This is usually done to hook the reader into wanting the next part of the story. The season three episode 'Z'ha'dum' was a cliffhanger. I luv cliffhangers. See 'Serial', 'Installment Story', 'Work In Progress'. |
| Comedy | Not to be confused with humor, a comedy is a story with a positive resolution to the plot, i.e. a happy ending. Comedies can actually be very dark, terrifying stories as long as they end positively for the hero/heroines. Characters can be comedic even if their stories are sad. Garibaldi and Ivanova are prime examples. See 'Tragedy'. |
| Content Disclaimer | Used in fanfiction that contains graphic sex or requires a violence disclaimer, the author pens a warning to prospective readers at the top of the story informing them that those situations exist in advance. That way, readers who might be offended by that kind of material know not to begin reading. Sometimes fic authors will use CDs to attract more readers. See 'Rating', 'Adult Situations Disclaimer', 'Language Disclaimer', 'Caveat Lector', 'Squick Factor'. |
| Continuity | The Devil is in the details. In order to make the reader believe he or she is in the Babylon 5 universe, a fanfiction needs to first be consistent with the show and second, needs to maintain internal consistency. This means that the general background conditions established in the show need to be maintained in the fic. Thus, if Minbar has a cool climate in the B5 series, it should have a cool climate in a fic. Internally, if a fic author establishes the logical but non-canon premise that Minbari only marry once in their lives, he or she shouldn’t have Delenn shopping for a new husband after John Sheridan departs in Sleeping In Light. See 'Speculation', 'Characterization'. |
| Continuity Error | What happens when a character says or does one thing at the beginning of a fanfiction, and then says or does something completely counter to the first statement or action later in the fic. This usually happens when the environment established for the story becomes so complicated that the author forgets what they (or their characters) said or did before. The greater the level of detail in a fic, or the longer it is, the more chance there is for a continuity error. A good beta reader/editor can catch a lot of these before the web audience sees them and starts asking questions. See 'beta reader/editor'. |
| Depth | The synergy created by achieving balance between plot, characterization, setting and dialogue in a fanfiction. A fic has depth when those four characteristics combine to transport the readers into the universe the author recreated and makes them believe for a short time that they are really there alongside their favorite characters. How vivid a universe did the fic author create, and how interesting was the premise? |
| Dialogue | Narrowly, two or more characters conversing (See Monologue). Broadly, all the words that come out of the character's mouths. It's always best to mimic J Michael Straczynski's writing style for the canon characters. This requires some familiarity with the broadcast series, and some study of the character's speech patterns. Just to use John and Delenn as examples, John is an American Midwesterner. He's going to use contractions, have a slight twang in his speech and run his words together on occasion. In contrast, Delenn learned English as an adult, speaks very formally with few contractions even in casual conversation, and always considers her words very carefully. Even at that, she will use the wrong term from time to time. |
| Erotica | In fanfiction, erotica is descriptive language presented in a way that sexually arouses a reader. Erotica is far more complicated than merely describing a sex act, however, and differs from pornography in that much is left to the imagination and the reader is expected to care about the characters beyond their value as fantasy objects. To write erotica well requires boldness, imagination, a large vocabulary and a great deal of skill at choosing the proper wording. Generally, fic authors who write romance between their characters will use erotic language to invest the reader in the relationship. See 'Rating', 'pornography', 'Smut'. |
| Feedback | How a fanfiction author gets paid. Comments, motivational notes and constructive criticism (good and bad) from readers. While not required, feedback for stories you like and don't like is very valuable. Writing is hard and time-consuming work, and fic authors who don't receive feedback often lose heart and quit. See 'Comments & Criticism', 'Read and Respond', 'Review'. |
| Flames | Harsh, personal criticism directed at the writer of a fanfiction rather than the merits of the fic itself, usually designed to start an argument. This is not feedback, and only the lowest scum on the web do it. Flame messages contain nothing constructive to build upon or improve and serve only to demotivate the writer. More than one promising fic author has been driven away from writing by flamers. The fans residing at Jumpnow.de believe in promoting Babylon 5, encouraging writers and offering constructive criticism. We do not tolerate flaming or character assassination. |
| Gary Lou | Along with 'Gary Stu', two of several male variants of the Mary Sue character. More rare than a Mary Sue only because more women write fan fiction than men. See also 'original character', 'Badfic/Suckfic', 'Aura of Smooth'. |
| Legal Disclaimer | How fanfiction authors stay out of court while violating J Michael Straczynski's and Warner Brothers copyrights. As a fic writer, it's a good idea to acknowledge that B5, its canon characters, etc. actually belong to someone else. While disclaimers offer no protection from lawsuits, they sometimes make the studio a little more forgiving. See 'Berne Convention', 'Trademarks', 'Plagiarism', 'Fair Use'. |
| Mary Sue | The fanfiction writer's way of putting herself into the story. Most often, the Mary Sue takes the form of a non-canon female character who is actually the author's enhanced alter-ego. Many fics where the canon Hero/Heroine ends up being saved by/in bed with a non-canon character are Mary Sues. Not all Mary Sues are bad - realistically developed Mary Sues who remain supporting characters can be effective. The male incarnation of a Mary Sue character is called a Gary Lou. See also 'Original Character', 'Anywhere But Here', 'Badfic/Suckfic', 'Aura of Smooth'. |
| Ghost Stories | Popular fanfictions that have disappeared from the web. With the Babylon 5 series having been in reruns for 5+ years, many fan sites have shut down. Sadly, some have taken good B5 fics with them. Often, these fics reside in archives but without the permission of the authors they can't be reposted. Sometimes, authors themselves will remove their stories when they tire of the fandom. In any event, there was once far more B5 fanfic on the web than there is now. Jumpnow.de is working to recover many of these ghost fics and make them available to readers. |
| Non-canon | Everything that an unofficial writer (a fanfiction author) or fan comes up with and puts in a story. Any original characters or situations developed in a fic are non-canon. Non-canon doesn't equate to 'bad' - it's not a measure of quality. It's an acknowledgement that a fic writer isn’t an official source. Bear in mind that all Babylon 5 fanfic is the intellectual property of Warner Brothers, even though fans write it. We are playing with other people’s toys. See 'J Michael Straczynski', 'Alternate Universe', 'Speculation'. |
| Slush/Smarm | Slushes are Fluff fanfiction that are so overly sentimental, syrupy or painfully sweet that they cause the reader to cringe with embarrasment. Any fic where John Sheridan calls Delenn "My wittle pookie-wookems" as he plants a sloppy wet kiss on her bonecrest is probably slush. Merciful authors who know their story is slush will hopefully show pity on their readers and post a slush warning. See 'Purple Monologue / Dialogue', 'Mystery Science Theater', 'Badfic/Suckfic', 'Romance'. |
| Pairing | The romantic aspect/relationship explored in a fanfiction. Almost any pairing is possible. When written into the header of a story, the primary character (as listed in the series credits) should be placed first. For example, the pairing shorthand for John Sheridan and Delenn is 'J/D' rather than 'D/J' because John appears first in the credits. Although she is the female lead, Delenn usually appears fourth behind Susan and Michael (In the series, the main cast is credited alphabetically). See 'Romance', 'Canon Pairing', 'Uncommon Pairing', 'Shorthand Codes'. |
| Plagiarism | Taking another's words and presenting them as your own without gaining permission or giving credit. Broadly, all Babylon 5 fanfiction plagiarizes J Michael Straczynski. In practice, only the unauthorized quotation of JMS’s works constitutes the offense. Unlike copyrighted material, fanfic stories are unprotected. Any fanfic author can use material developed by other authors. It is always wise, however, to obtain permission from originators before using their characters, ideas or quoting their stories. Because B5 is their intellectual property JMS and Warner Brothers can take fan ideas or concepts without compensation, although JMS goes to great lengths to avoid outside influences. See 'Berne Convention', 'Copyrights', 'Fair Use', 'Trademarks', 'Cease and Desist Order'. |
| Plot | Also called the theme, premise or problem statement. This is the meat of a serious fanfiction - an original idea or situation explored by the fic author through the characters. In order for all the other elements of a fic to work properly, the Plot has to be one that will hold the reader's interest. Not all fics need to have substantial plots, however. See 'Sillyfic', 'Porn Without Plot'. |
| Plot Bunny | A story idea that hasn't made it to paper yet. If you're a fanfiction author or aspire to be one, these are the suckers that keep you awake at night. See 'Plot', 'Scribbling'. |
| Parody | Purposely distorting the personalities, settings, plots and/or dialogue of Babylon 5 and the B5 characters for comic effect. See 'Mystery Science Theater', 'Sillyfic', 'Porn Without Plot'. |
| Pseudonym | Also called a ‘Nom de Plume’ or a ‘Pen name’, these are fictional names assumed by many fanfiction authors to protect their true identities and/or their privacy. Some fic authors do not want others to know who they really are, either because of their jobs or fear of ridicule. Some find it adventurous to have a pseudonym. Some write under their own names and never use pseudonyms at all. Whatever the reason, as conscientious readers, the desire of the fic author to maintain anonymity should be respected. See 'Anonymous'. |
| Rating | Similar to movies, fanfiction is rated for violence, language and sexual content. Ratings are usually left to the author's judgement, and most adhere to the guidelines good taste imposes. The ratings are: FRC - Fan Rated for Children (corresponds to 'G' and 'PG'), FRT - Fan Rated for Teenagers (corresponds to 'PG-13'), FRM - Fan Rated for Mature Audiences (corresponds to 'R') and FRAO - Fan Rated for Adults Only (these stories range from 'NC-17' to Pornography). See 'Adult Situations Disclaimer', 'Violence Disclaimer', 'Language Disclaimer', 'Smut'. |
| Setting | The physical location where the action in a story is taking place. In Babylon 5 fanfiction, the level of detail in describing the setting varies depending on whether the location is canon (like C&C, for example) or non-canon (a world not seen in the series). As a general rule, canon settings require less description than non-canon ones, since the reader already knows what they look like. See 'Exposition', 'Prologue'. |
| Sillyfic | Fanfiction with no plot, no sex, written purely to get a laugh. Primarily, they are parodies of the characters, nonsense scenes, jokes, or 'Top 10' lists. A good Babylon 5 parody site is 'The Sad Geezer's Guide to Babylon 5'. See 'Fluff'. |
| Shipper | A fan of a particular pairing, rather than or in addition to individual characters. Relationshippers, or 'Shippers' select an on-screen expressed or implied romance and expand on it. In Babylon 5, the most common canon 'ships' are John Sheridan/Delenn, Susan Ivanova/Talia Winters (B5's only canon slash pairing) and Susan Ivanova/Marcus Cole, but there are many other shippers who write about less common canon and non-canon pairings. See 'Canon Pairing', 'Uncommon Pairing'. |
| Tragedy | Tragedies are fanfiction in which the plot of the story goes unresolved, is resolved unfavorably, or is favorably resolved but the Hero/Heroine finds that the cost was more than it was worth. They can be humorous, but tragedies will always have sad or unsatisfactory endings. Characters can also be tragic. Lennier and Londo Mollari are prime examples. See 'Comedy', 'Drama', 'Intrigue'. |
| Hero/Heroine | The character in the story working to advance the human (or alien) condition or trying to resolve the problem presented in the Plot. While heroes and heroines are generally associated with the side of 'Good’ or ‘Light’, if the story is presented from the point of view of a character associated with villainy, the Villain can become the hero. According to Joseph Campbell's ‘Hero of a Thousand Faces’, the hero has to overcome death, become superhuman and/or go through a sort of metamorphosis in order to reach full potential. In Babylon 5, all the major characters undergo variants of this hero test. See 'Main Character', 'Protagonist', 'Antagonist'. |
| Main Character | A generic term for the primary actor in a story. The Main Character differs from the Hero/Heroine in that he or she is the person followed throughout the story, but is not necessarily the character attempting to resolve the plot. For example, a Babylon 5 story may have Vir Cotto as the main character, but he may merely be the onlooker through whom the reader observes the activities of the Heroes and Villains. See 'Antagonist', 'Protagonist', 'Supporting Character', 'Point of View'. |
| Actor | Actors are those that undertake activities to either resolve or confound the problem the fic author has put before them. Unlike the Babylon 5 TV series, where people like Bruce Boxleitner, Mira Furlan and other professionals (real live people) are the actors, the characters they portrayed are the actors in a fic. For fanfiction purposes, Bruce, Mira, Claudia and Jerry don't exist - John Sheridan, Delenn, Susan Ivanova and Michael Garibaldi do - and its just coincidence that some Hollywood folks bear uncanny resemblances to them. See 'Cast'. |
| Suspension of Disbelief | A critical ability a reader needs in order to enjoy fanfiction, and what every fic author wants to facilitate. Suspension of disbelief is setting aside the rational, physical world so one can accept the impossible as possible. It is a cornerstone of the Science Fiction genre, since many implausible concepts and unrealized technologies are presented to the reader - who is, in turn, asked to accept them as real. One of the strengths of Babylon 5 is that it presented few hard to accept concepts. Because it relied on interpersonal cooperation and conflict rather than advanced science to tell its story, suspension of disbelief was not difficult for the viewer. See 'Plot', 'Characterization', 'Setting', 'Dialogue'. |
| Cast | A grouping of characters appearing in a fanfiction story. Unlike the Babylon 5 TV series, where the term 'cast' referred to the actors portraying the characters, the cast of a fanfiction story are the characters themselves. |
| Supporting Character | A character within the story who facilitates, assists, or provides information to the Main Character. Supporting characters are not fixed. In the largely ensemble Babylon 5 universe, any character, even those who are normally main characters, can be supporting depending on the plot. See 'Hero/Heroine', 'Antagonist', 'Protagonist', 'Villain', 'Point of View'. |
| Villain | As always, villainy is in the eye of the beholder but in Babylon 5 fanfiction the villain is almost always working for Psi Corps, Earthgov or the Shadows. For definition purposes, villains perform nefarious acts that are designed to spread chaos, gain material goods or advantageous positions for themselves at the expense of others, or deliberately violate societal moral codes without compunction or remorse. True villains are self-serving and usually don't align with causes - thus, rarely in the B5 universe will you find a true villain. Alfred Bester and Morden come closest to fitting the above definition. See 'Hero/Heroine', 'Main Character', 'Antagonist', 'Protagonist, 'Character'. |
| Troll | On the web, a Troll is a person who visits bulletin boards, groups and chat rooms for the sole purpose of making outrageous statements and starting arguements. In fanfiction, a Troll is a person who sends flame e-mails to fanfic authors with the goal of dissuading them from writing. See 'Flames', 'Comments & Criticism', 'Read and Respond'. |
