To start, you need to know the Harry Potter world well. Read the books and watch the movies if you haven't already. For your self - insert OC, give them distinct features. Say, a love for magical creatures that no one else has. As for the story, it can begin with your OC getting their Hogwarts letter in a very unusual way, like it being delivered by a phoenix instead of an owl. This will immediately make the story interesting.
One common mistake is making your OC too overpowered. They shouldn't be able to solve every problem with ease. Another is ignoring the established rules of the Harry Potter universe, like the laws of magic. Also, don't make your OC's backstory too complicated or unrealistic within the context of the series. For example, having an OC who is a long - lost relative of every important character is a bit much.
OC self - insert fanfiction is when you take an original character, usually one that you've created with elements of yourself, and put it into a well - known fictional story's world. For instance, if it's a self - insert into the Lord of the Rings universe, your OC could be a new member of the Fellowship or a citizen of Middle - earth. It's a creative way for fans to engage with the story on a more personal level. You can use this type of fanfiction to explore different plot ideas, relationships, and character development within the framework of the original story.
They could stand out by their backstory. If they come from a different part of the non - magical world or have a really strange family history related to magic. Say, their family was once part of a secret dark magic cult but they didn't know until they entered the wizarding world. This would give them a different perspective and make them stand out. Also, their attitude towards the existing power structures in the wizarding world, like being very critical of Dumbledore's decisions from the start, would make them distinct.
A good plot is crucial. It should blend well with the existing Harry Potter universe. For example, if it's set during Hogwarts years, it should follow the general rules and atmosphere of the school. Also, the way the self - insert character is developed matters. They should have a distinct personality and not just be a copy of an existing character.
The common themes include adventure. The male self - insert embarks on quests that the original characters may not have. They might explore uncharted parts of the Forbidden Forest or find hidden chambers in Hogwarts. Another theme is the struggle against the dark forces. They could be on the front line fighting Voldemort and his Death Eaters, using their unique skills or knowledge. And then there's the theme of fitting in. They have to adjust to the different culture and rules of the wizarding world, which can be a big part of their story.
One interesting self - insert raise could be a character who is inserted into Hogwarts as a new student with a unique magical ability not seen before in the series. This could change the dynamics of existing relationships and storylines, like how they interact with Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
One common theme is the alteration of Fudge's actions. Since Fudge made some controversial decisions in the original series, in self - insert fanfictions, the inserted character often tries to change his mind about things like denying Voldemort's return. Another theme is exploring the wizarding politics through the eyes of the inserted character interacting with Fudge.
One popular theme is the self - insert character becoming a new student at Hogwarts. They experience the wonder of the magical school, make new friends, and learn magic just like Harry and his friends did. Another theme could be the self - insert getting involved in the fight against Voldemort. They might use their unique modern - day knowledge or special skills to help the Order of the Phoenix. Also, there are often themes related to romance, where the self - insert character falls in love with one of the existing characters in the Harry Potter universe, like falling for a Gryffindor student or even a member of the Weasley family.
One common theme is changing the fate. Since the character is reborn, they often try to prevent certain tragedies that happened in the original story, like the deaths of some beloved characters.