One common theme is power struggle. Since Henry the VIII's court was full of political maneuvering, many OCs get caught up in it. For example, they might have to choose sides between different factions.
Love and relationships are also common. OCs often find themselves in romantic entanglements, either with courtiers or even with Henry himself. It adds a touch of drama and emotion to the story. Another theme is the struggle for identity. As new characters in a well - known historical setting, they have to figure out who they are and where they belong in this complex world of Henry the VIII's court. This can lead to some really interesting character development.
Survival is a big theme too. Henry the VIII was known for his temper and the ever - changing political climate. OCs need to be smart and adaptable to survive in his court. They might face false accusations or be used as pawns in the power games, and how they deal with these situations forms an important part of the story.
One great Henry the VIII OC fanfic is 'The Unseen Courtier'. It presents an original character who gets involved in the political intrigues of Henry's court. The character is well - developed, and the story weaves in historical events in an interesting way.
Love and lust also play a big role. His relationships with his six wives are often central to the stories. We see his infatuation with Anne Boleyn in many works, which led to a great upheaval in the English court. It was a mix of real feelings and political maneuvering for him.
One common theme is growth. Henry and Charlotte are likely to be shown growing as individuals while still maintaining their relationship. Also, loyalty is often explored. Fanfic writers might show how they are loyal to each other in different situations, like when one is in trouble and the other comes to the rescue. Sometimes, the theme of discovery can be there too. They could be discovering new things about themselves or their world together.
Friendship is a very common theme. Henry and Alex are often shown having a deep and loyal friendship, supporting each other through thick and thin.
Adventure is also a common theme. They could be exploring new places, whether it's a mysterious forest or an uncharted island. Their adventures bring out different aspects of their personalities. For example, Henry might show his bravery while Amber could display her intelligence in solving problems during the adventure. And these stories usually have a lot of exciting plot twists and turns.
A theme that often comes up is redemption. If the OC has a troubled past or has made mistakes, they might find redemption through their relationship with Henry. Henry, with his pure heart and his role in the story, can be a catalyst for the OC's change. Additionally, the exploration of different timelines or alternate universes is common, where the relationship between Henry and the OC can be very different from what we see in the original show.
One of the great Henry VIII fiction books is 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory. It delves into the relationship between Mary and Anne Boleyn and their interactions with Henry VIII. Another good one is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It presents a vivid portrayal of Henry VIII's court through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. And 'Bring Up the Bodies' which is also by Mantel, continues the story, offering more insights into the power dynamics and personal relationships within Henry VIII's reign.
In many fiction novels, Henry VIII is often depicted as a powerful and somewhat tyrannical figure. His desires, especially his obsession with having a male heir, are central to the plot. For example, in 'The Other Boleyn Girl', his pursuit of Anne Boleyn is driven by his need for a new wife who can bear him a son.
A recurring theme is also loyalty. Catherine's loyalty to Henry and vice versa is often explored in these fanfics. For example, in some fanfics, Catherine's unwavering loyalty during difficult political times is a central plot point. It shows how their relationship was not just about personal feelings but also about political stability.
Another theme could be growth. Henry and Ellie might be shown growing as individuals while also growing in their relationship. Maybe Ellie learns to trust more because of Henry, and Henry becomes more open - minded due to Ellie's influence. This can be explored in different ways, like through their conversations or the actions they take in the fanfic.