Real Person Fiction (RPF) is an overarching category for fanfiction that features real-life individuals as characters, while Real Person Slash (RPS) is a specific sub-genre within RPF that focuses on romantic or sexual relationships between these real people. Essentially, RPS is a type of RPF.
Understanding Real Person Fiction (RPF)
Real Person Fiction (RPF) serves as an umbrella term for all forms of fanfiction that involve real individuals as characters. This broad category can encompass a wide range of narratives, not limited to romantic or sexual themes. It can explore platonic relationships, alternative universes where real people embark on non-romantic adventures, or even fictionalized biographies. The core commonality is the use of non-fictional individuals as the subjects of creative storytelling.
Delving into Real Person Slash (RPS)
Real Person Slash (RPS) is the primary sub-category of RPF, distinguished by its focus on depicting romantic and/or sexual relationships between real people. The term "slash" traditionally refers to fanfiction that features same-sex pairings, originating from the use of a slash mark (/) between characters' names (e.g., Kirk/Spock). In the context of real people, RPS specifically explores these intimate connections, often between actors, musicians, athletes, or other public figures.
A notable aspect of RPS, particularly when it concerns actors in media fandoms, is its controversial nature. Writing stories about real individuals, especially those with explicit romantic and sexual content, can be seen as more problematic compared to fiction written about fictional characters from source texts. This often raises discussions about privacy, consent, and the ethics of fictionalizing someone's personal life.
Key Differences Summarized
To clearly delineate the distinctions between RPS and RPF, consider the following table:
| Feature | Real Person Fiction (RPF) | Real Person Slash (RPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | An umbrella term; broader category. | A specific sub-genre; narrower focus. |
| Content Focus | Can include any type of relationship (platonic, familial, romantic, sexual) or non-romantic scenarios involving real people. | Specifically focuses on romantic and/or sexual relationships between real people. |
| Relationship | RPS is a type or subset of RPF. | A specific instance or example within the RPF category. |
Why Differentiate?
Understanding the distinction between RPF and RPS is crucial for several reasons within fandom communities:
- Content Expectations: Readers and writers often look for specific types of stories. Knowing these terms helps in finding or categorizing content accurately.
- Ethical Considerations: The "real person" aspect of both RPF and RPS brings unique ethical discussions regarding privacy, public figures, and fan boundaries. RPS, due to its intimate nature, often faces more scrutiny and debate within these conversations.
- Fandom Norms: Different fandoms may have varying attitudes and rules regarding RPF and RPS. Being aware of the terms helps navigate these community guidelines.
Examples and Context
Examples of RPF (Broader Scope):
- A story about two real-life comedians going on a non-romantic road trip.
- A fanfiction depicting a fictionalized account of a band's early struggles, focusing on their creative journey rather than their personal romantic lives.
- An AU (Alternative Universe) story where real-life scientists discover a new element, without any romantic entanglements.
Examples of RPS (Specific Romantic/Sexual Focus):
- Fanfiction exploring a romantic relationship between two actors from the same TV show.
- Stories depicting a sexual relationship between two famous musicians.
- Fictional narratives imagining a love affair between historical figures.
While both RPF and RPS delve into the creative interpretation of real individuals, RPS carries an added layer of sensitivity and controversy due to its focus on intimate relationships. This makes the distinction between the broad category and its specific, often debated, sub-genre important for clear communication and ethical engagement within fan communities. You can learn more about these terms and their implications in various fandom contexts, such as on the Super-wiki's page for Real Person Fiction.
