What Does OMC (Original Male Character) Mean?
AbbreviationAn original male character invented by the fic author, the male counterpart to OFC. The tag shows up in character lists and in pairings like 'Canon Character/OMC.'
OMC (Original Male Character) in Practice
OMC exists for the same practical reason as OFC: readers scanning tags need to know when a relationship or major role belongs to an invented character rather than someone from canon. OMCs serve every function in fic — rivals, love interests, villains, the helpful bartender who exists for one scene of exposition — and the tag covers all of them, which is why authors often add clarifying tags about how central the character is. The male version historically drew less Mary Sue-style suspicion than the female one, a double standard fandom has spent years discussing.
Example usage
"The OMC villain is genuinely menacing, which is rare — original antagonists are hard to pull off."
Related Terms
OC (Original Character)
A character invented by the fan author rather than taken from canon. OCs range from background extras who fill out a scene to fully realized protagonists.
Definition →
OFC (Original Female Character)
An original female character created by the fic author. On AO3 it appears in standardized character tags and in pairing tags like 'Canon Character/OFC.'
Definition →
Mary Sue / Gary Stu
A derogatory label for an original character — or an overhauled canon character — who is implausibly perfect: universally adored, effortlessly skilled, and central to every plot. Gary Stu (or Marty Stu) is the male equivalent.
Definition →
Pairing
The romantic or sexual relationship a fic centers on, named by its two (or more) characters. 'Pairing' is the slightly more formal sibling of 'ship.'
Definition →
Read fanfiction on the go
Fanfict Reader is the best way to browse, search, and read AO3 fanfiction on your iPhone. Download for free and start reading your favorite stories today.