The word "deathfic" is spelled with four letters, but it is not pronounced the way you might expect it to be. The correct pronunciation is /ˈdɛθfɪk/, with the stress on the first syllable. The letters "th" are pronounced as the voiceless dental fricative sound /θ/, as in the word "thin". The word "fic" is short for "fiction", so it is pronounced with the short "i" sound /ɪ/. The term "deathfic" refers to a work of fiction that focuses on death, often with a tragic or morbid tone.
Deathfic is a term used in fan fiction to refer to a specific genre or type of story where a character or characters die. It is a portmanteau of the words "death" and "fiction," highlighting the central theme of the story. Deathfic often explores the concept of mortality, exploring the emotional impact and consequences surrounding death.
In deathfic, the narrative generally revolves around the demise of one or more characters, which could include major protagonists, secondary characters, or even minor figures within the original work being fan-fictioned. The author intentionally crafts a plotline that leads to the character's death within the fictional universe. The death may occur from a variety of causes, such as accidents, illnesses, sacrifices, or conflicts, among others.
Deathfic aims to elicit strong emotional responses from the readers, often delving into themes of grief, loss, and the impact on the remaining characters. It provides an opportunity for fans to explore the consequences and aftermath of death in a controlled fictional environment.
Deathfic can offer catharsis, providing readers a chance to process their emotions, mourn fictional characters, or speculate about alternate outcomes. However, it is important to note that deathfic involving sensitive themes, explicit violence, or triggers should come with appropriate content warnings to respect the readers' emotional well-being.
While deathfic may be found across various fandoms and stories, it remains a distinct subgenre within the broader spectrum of fan fiction due to its focus on mortality, mourning, and the exploration of loss.
The term "deathfic" is a combination of the words "death" and "fic", where "fic" is a shortened version of "fanfic" (short for fanfiction).
The word "fanfic" itself emerged in the 1930s, as a form of amateur fiction created by fans of a particular book, movie, TV series, or other media. Over time, fanfiction has developed into a diverse and expansive genre.
"Deathfic" specifically refers to a type of fanfiction that focuses on death, usually involving the demise of beloved characters from the original work. It often explores the emotional aspects of loss and grief.
The exact origin and earliest conclusive usage of the term "deathfic" is unclear. However, it is thought to have emerged within the fanfiction community as a way to categorize and differentiate specific storylines that involve death.