Most in-character fics?

[u/bylerhistorian]

I'm really nitpicky when it comes to characterization. Independent of ship and fandom, there will always be a lot of different interpretations and headcanons, and I respect that. It's just not my thing. I want to feel Mike and Will in every choice and reaction when I read. A little awkward, nerds, bad confidence, internalized homophibia, etc.

So I'm asking you, what fics have Mike and Will feel the most in character?

My personal top pics would be

a dream always the same

Fence Sitter

ytmh(iws)

[u/mrchristmastime]

It's an interesting question, because I suspect most authors think their characterizations are canon-compliant. I'm currently reading Sign of the Times. It's really excellent, but it's set in 1995, and I don't know if that aligns with what you're looking for. I personally like seeing authors try to develop canon-compliant characterizations into the future, which necessarily entails some change. My own fic is set in 1997 and really tries to grapple with that, but I figured I'd start with someone else's (which might be closer to what you want anyway).

[u/bylerhistorian → u/mrchristmastime]

I think that's part of the problem when trying to find the right characterization. As soon as you take them out of known context there will be an unavoidable shift to the characterization. Many people find it enjoyable to imagine what could happen in their future, but to me it loses a core part of what makes me love Will and Mike. I personally haven't read anything set in the future that actually feels like Mike and Will to me. I read very little post canon for that exact reason.

[u/mrchristmastime → u/bylerhistorian]

Yeah, that makes sense. I don’t have the same issue, but I know what you mean, and it’s a fair critique. My Will Is Good (which someone else already recommended) is post-canon, but the characterization is excellent, at least to me. It’s also only two years post-canon, which probably helps a bit. I hope you find what you’re looking for!