CC — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

CC: a brief history

The word canon comes out of fandom long before text games existed. Ronald Knox started describing the 56 Sherlock Holmes short stories and four novels by Arthur Conan Doyle as the canon, a playful borrowing of the religious sense of the word, and readers used it to separate Doyle’s own writing from later imitations. Fans of other franchises picked up the same distinction, and roleplay communities eventually needed a shorthand for characters on that authoritative side of the line.

Text games gave the idea a practical job. When a game is built on someone else’s setting, the cast exists before any player arrives, so staff need rules about who may claim which name. That’s generally where rosters, applications, and the CC and OC split come from: a way to manage a finite list of established characters alongside the unlimited supply of player-invented ones. The shorthand is now standard across fandom RP, from licensed MUSHes to journal-based and forum games.

The underlying trade hasn’t changed. Playing a canon character lets you engage directly with the established world and its narratives, and in return you’re expected to keep the character’s known traits and backstory intact so the setting stays coherent for everyone else.

See also: canon.

How it's used today

Players often use this term when discussing which characters are available in different roleplay games. It appears in conversations about character applications, event planning, or when referring to the structure of a game’s cast.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

MUD, MUSH, RPMUD, PbP, Chat RPG, Social media RPG, RPI, RPE.

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CC examples

• Harry Potter in a Harry Potter-themed MUD: A player might assume the role of Harry Potter, adhering to his known traits, history, and relationships as established in the books.
• Commander Shepard in an RP game based on Mass Effect: Players could choose to roleplay as Commander Shepard, following the character’s established storyline and choices from the game series.
• Batman in a DC Universe MUSH: In this setting, a player might take on the role of Batman, operating within the constraints of his established lore and relationships within Gotham City.
• Sherlock Holmes in a Victorian-era mystery play-by-post: Players could roleplay as the famous detective, solving cases and interacting with other characters in a manner consistent with the stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Myths and misconceptions

1. Playing a canon character restricts all creative freedom. In reality, while adhering to established traits and backstories, players can still explore personal interpretations and growth within the character’s narrative boundaries.
2. CC roles are less challenging than original characters (OCs). However, maintaining the integrity of a CC while contributing to the game’s evolving story requires a deep understanding of the character and the surrounding world.
3. Anyone can play any canon character in every game. In fact, many games place specific restrictions on who can assume CC roles, often reserving them for administrators or for use during special events to preserve narrative coherence.
4. Canon characters can never evolve or change during roleplay. While it’s important to respect established traits, many games allow for organic character development as long as it stays true to the essential aspects of the CC’s personality and history.
5. Only well-known or main characters count as CCs. In truth, any character established within the setting’s lore, no matter how minor, can be considered a CC if their background and traits are defined by the source material.

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CC FAQs

How do I play a CC in a game?

To play a CC, you usually need to follow the game’s specific rules for assuming such roles. This often involves applying for the character, demonstrating knowledge of the character’s backstory and traits, and agreeing to roleplay the character in a way that aligns with the established canon.

Can I change a CC’s backstory in a game?

Generally, no. Since CCs are based on pre-established lore, players are expected to maintain the character’s original backstory and personality. Deviating significantly from the established canon can disrupt the game’s continuity.

What happens if a CC is played incorrectly?

If a CC is played in a way that contradicts established lore or personality traits, game moderators or administrators may intervene. This could involve corrective guidance, or in extreme cases, removal of the player from the role.

Are CCs available in all roleplaying games?

No, the availability of CCs varies by game. Some games encourage playing as CCs, while others restrict such roles to ensure narrative control or due to the nature of the game’s setting.

What’s the difference between a CC and an OC?

A CC is a “canon character,” meaning they are pre-established within the game’s universe. An OC, or “original character,” is created by the player and is not part of the established lore. OCs offer more creative freedom, while CCs require adherence to existing backstories and traits.

How can I respect the originality of a CC while adding my own twist?

To add nuance to a CC without overstepping, first make sure you understand the character’s core attributes and storyline. Then incorporate your interpretations in ways that align with the game’s setting and narrative. That balance respects the original while still leaving room for your own creativity.

What should I do if my portrayal of a CC is criticized?

If your portrayal of a canon character is criticized, try listening to and incorporating feedback, especially if it’s constructive and based on established lore. Use it to align your portrayal more closely with the character’s canonical attributes while maintaining your unique approach.

In which games can I play a canon character?

Canon characters are mostly found in fandom RP, roleplay set inside an existing franchise such as a Harry Potter MUD or a superhero MUSH. Games with fully original settings have no outside source material, so any established figures there are defined by the game’s own lore instead.

Can two players have the same canon character?

Not on the same game at the same time. A CC is a single slot on the roster, so once it’s claimed it stays claimed until the player drops it or staff reopen it. Games run independently of each other, so the same character can be played by different people on different games, and a few settings with alternate timelines or multiverse plots deliberately allow more than one version at once. Check the game’s rules rather than assuming.

What happens to a canon character if the player stops playing?

Most games with canon rosters run activity checks. If a player goes idle past the game’s limit or leaves outright, staff usually retire the character and reopen the slot for applications, often called a drop or a recast. Some games leave the character out of play for a while first, and some let the next player decide how much of the previous portrayal’s events still count.

Does CC always stand for canon character?

In roleplay contexts it usually does, especially anywhere it’s paired with OC. Elsewhere in gaming the same two letters can mean character creation, which text games more often call chargen, or crowd control in combat-focused games. Context settles it: if the conversation is about applications, rosters, or source material, it means canon character.