Headcanon vs. Canon — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024
Headcanon represents a fan's personal interpretation or belief about a fictional universe, while canon refers to the official storyline or elements as confirmed by the creator.
Difference Between Headcanon and Canon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Headcanon involves individual fans' interpretations or beliefs about characters, settings, or events within a fictional universe, often filling in gaps left by the original material. On the other hand, canon includes only those elements that are officially established by the creators of the fiction, such as the author, director, or producer.
Headcanon can vary widely among different fans, as it is not restricted by the official narrative. This personal aspect allows fans to explore diverse perspectives and ideas that might not be covered in the source material. Whereas, canon is consistent and universally accepted among the fandom, providing a stable foundation for the story.
Headcanon is not typically recognized in the official narrative and does not influence the direction of the story or its official interpretations. In contrast, canon plays a crucial role in the development of the plot and character arcs, influencing future storytelling and adaptations.
Headcanon allows fans to engage creatively with the content, promoting a more interactive and personalized fandom experience. While, canon ensures that there is a coherent and consistent storyline that adheres to the creator’s original vision.
Headcanon can sometimes become so popular among a community that it influences the perceptions of characters or stories, despite not being part of the official narrative. Meanwhile, canon remains authoritative and is often referred to when resolving debates within the community about the storyline or character motivations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Fan-made beliefs or interpretations
Officially established elements by creators
Source
Created by fans
Established by the original creators
Impact on Story
No direct impact on official storyline
Directly influences plot and character arcs
Acceptance
Varies among individuals and groups
Universally accepted and consistent
Role in Fandom
Enhances personal and communal engagement
Serves as the foundational narrative
Compare with Definitions
Headcanon
A personal belief or interpretation about a fictional universe not confirmed by the source material.
My headcanon is that the character secretly likes jazz music.
Canon
The basis for official adaptations, such as films and merchandise.
The movie adaptation follows the canon very closely.
Headcanon
A way for fans to emotionally connect more deeply with the narrative.
His headcanon involves a peaceful retirement for the hero.
Canon
Reference material used to settle debates within the fandom.
They referred to the canon to resolve their argument about the character’s motives.
Headcanon
An idea adopted by fans to explain or elaborate character backstory not covered by the canon.
In my headcanon, these two characters are best friends since childhood.
Canon
Officially recognized elements and details within a fictional universe.
According to the canon, the hero was born in this city.
Headcanon
A concept created by fans to resolve inconsistencies within the canon storyline.
My headcanon explains why the plotline in season 4 seems out of character.
Canon
The material accepted as officially part of the story by the creator of a fictional universe.
The novel’s appendix is canon and details the aftermath of the main events.
Headcanon
Personal interpretations that add depth to the fictional universe for an individual fan.
Her headcanon includes a detailed family tree for her favorite character.
Canon
The authoritative guidelines that dictate the storyline of the fictional universe.
The canon states that these events occurred in this specific order.
Headcanon
(fandom slang) Elements and interpretations of a fictional universe accepted by an individual or small group of fans, but not necessarily found within or supported by the official canon.
In my own headcanon of Rocky IV, Ivan Drago is a Russian Mafia enforcer instead of a Red Army Captain.
Canon
Archaic spelling of canyon
Headcanon
(fandom slang) To interpret in the form of a headcanon.
I headcanon her as gay.
Canon
An ecclesiastical law or code of laws established by a church council.
Canon
A secular law, rule, or code of law.
Canon
An established principle
The canons of polite society.
Canon
A basis for judgment; a standard or criterion.
Canon
The books of the Bible officially accepted as Holy Scripture.
Canon
A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field
"the durable canon of American short fiction" (William Styron).
Canon
The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic
The entire Shakespeare canon.
Canon
Material considered to be officially part of a fictional universe or considered to fit within the history established by a fictional universe
"The Harry Potter series was one of the first pieces of media to inspire widespread fan fiction writing, probably because its popularity coincided with the early days of the Internet, but its creator has also shown herself more than willing to keep updating the canon" (Emma Cueto).
Canon
Canon The part of the Mass beginning after the Preface and Sanctus and ending just before the Lord's Prayer.
Canon
The calendar of saints accepted by the Roman Catholic Church.
Canon
(Music) A composition or passage in which a melody is imitated by one or more voices at fixed intervals of pitch and time.
Canon
A member of a chapter of priests serving in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Canon
A member of certain religious communities living under a common rule and bound by vows.
Canon
Variant of canyon.
Canon
A generally accepted principle; a rule.
The trial must proceed according to the canons of law.
Canon
A formally codified set of criteria deemed mandatory for a particular artistic style of figurative art.
The Canon of Polykleitos
Canon
A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field.
Canon
The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic.
The entire Shakespearean canon
Canon
A eucharistic prayer, particularly the Roman Canon.
Canon
A religious law or body of law decreed by the church.
We must proceed according to canon law.
Canon
A catalogue of saints acknowledged and canonized in the Roman Catholic Church.
Canon
In monasteries, a book containing the rules of a religious order.
Canon
A piece of music in which the same melody is played by different voices, but beginning at different times; a round.
Pachelbel’s Canon has become very popular.
Canon
(Roman law) A rent or stipend payable at some regular time, generally annual, e.g., canon frumentarius
Canon
Those sources, especially including literary works, which are considered part of the main continuity regarding a given fictional universe.
A spin-off book series revealed the aliens to be originally from Earth, but it's not canon.
Canon
(cookery) A rolled and filleted loin of meat; also called a cannon.
A canon of beef or lamb
Canon
A large size of type formerly used for printing the church canons, standardized as 48-point.
Canon
The part of a bell by which it is suspended; the ear or shank of a bell.
Canon
A clergy member serving a cathedral or collegiate church.
Canon
A canon regular, a member of any of several Roman Catholic religious orders.
Canon
A law or rule.
Or that the Everlasting had not fixedHis canon 'gainst self-slaughter.
Canon
A law, or rule of doctrine or discipline, enacted by a council and confirmed by the pope or the sovereign; a decision, regulation, code, or constitution made by ecclesiastical authority.
Various canons which were made in councils held in the second centry.
Canon
In monasteries, a book containing the rules of a religious order.
Canon
A catalogue of saints acknowledged and canonized in the Roman Catholic Church.
Canon
A member of a cathedral chapter; a person who possesses a prebend in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Canon
A musical composition in which the voices begin one after another, at regular intervals, successively taking up the same subject. It either winds up with a coda (tailpiece), or, as each voice finishes, commences anew, thus forming a perpetual fugue or round. It is the strictest form of imitation. See Imitation.
Canon
The largest size of type having a specific name; - so called from having been used for printing the canons of the church.
Canon
The part of a bell by which it is suspended; - called also ear and shank.
Canon
See Carom.
Canon
A deep gorge, ravine, or gulch, between high and steep banks, worn by water courses.
Canon
A rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy;
The neoclassical canon
Canons of polite society
Canon
A priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter
Canon
A ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
Canon
A contrapuntal piece of music in which a melody in one part is imitated exactly in other parts
Canon
A complete list of saints that have been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church
Canon
A collection of books accepted as holy scripture especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired
Common Curiosities
What defines canon in a fictional universe?
Canon is the collection of all the elements that are officially established by the original creators of the fiction.
Why do fans create headcanons?
Fans create headcanons to fill gaps in the story, add depth to characters, or personalize their engagement with the fiction.
How does canon influence adaptations?
Canon often serves as the foundation for official adaptations, ensuring consistency and fidelity to the original material.
Is canon always consistent?
Ideally, canon should be consistent, though mistakes or changes in creators can lead to discrepancies.
Can headcanon affect how a story is perceived?
Yes, headcanons can deeply affect individual perceptions of the story, though they do not change the official narrative.
Can headcanon become canon?
Rarely, if creators adopt popular headcanons into the official narrative, they can become canon.
What is headcanon?
Headcanon refers to personal beliefs or interpretations about aspects of a fictional universe that are not part of the official story.
Can someone disagree with canon?
Individuals can disagree with aspects of canon, but canon itself remains the authoritative source in the fictional universe.
Do creators ever acknowledge headcanon?
While creators may acknowledge or enjoy fan headcanons, these do not typically influence the official narrative.
Can headcanon enrich the viewing or reading experience?
Yes, headcanon can significantly enrich the personal experience of a story, adding layers of personal interpretation and connection.
What happens if canon contradicts headcanon?
When canon contradicts headcanon, the canon takes precedence as it is the official narrative.
How is canon established in long-running series?
In long-running series, canon is established through a consistent narrative across various media such as books, movies, and other official content.
Is it possible for canon to change?
Canon can change if creators decide to officially alter the storyline, retcon parts of it, or expand on the universe.
How do communities typically handle conflicts between headcanon and canon?
Communities often discuss and debate such conflicts, but ultimately, canon is considered the deciding factor in any discrepancies.
Are there any limits to what headcanon can cover?
Headcanon is limited only by individual creativity and the extent to which a fan engages with the fictional universe.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
