This week: The Omega Character Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
Taking a look at a particular type of character found in shifter and other types of fantastical stories. Something often paired with an alpha but with their own struggles and conflict relating to their identity as an omega. |
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In the omegaverse, while the Alpha character has a dominant role due to the nature of the role, it is the omega that makes the difference between just shifter worlds, ones that write pack dynamics and those that include the third type. Well, not all have the beta but we'll worry about that one later. It's also a big deal because it's the one that is often used for the name of the world for readers searching for these specific characters. It is called the omegaverse, not the alpha one. So, while the alpha thinks they dominate the world and everything, the omega is key.
This is found in manga but also longer fiction. Sometimes referred to as A/B/O, the O part represents the Omega character and they are often matched with an alpha. This makes it ideal, in particular for romance stories but it's possible to have other genres and areas of focus in the story. The soulmate, usually just referred to as a mate, is often used within the stories though some can be paired together in a more traditional, dating and beyond type setting without any biting, scent connection or marking to indicate the relationship.
The role of the omega can vary based on the particular story but there are some common ones. It's sometimes used as a more submissive role or one that is a natural caregiver. There are exceptions to that rule. While some are done as meek, soft spoken or take the more emotional side, others can have a stronger personality. I read one where the omega became a legal advocate and stood up against alpha characters on a regular basis. Some aren't afraid to tell one off, even when they might be attractive, or to tell them to go fly a kite. It will depend on the story and the character as to how the omega acts.
It is also common to find the omegaverse used with this type of character within slash fiction, also known as m/m or gay male romance/erotica. The omega doesn't include just one gender, so it's possible to have male omega characters. In some of the worlds, the male omega can also not only get pregnant but give birth (even to multiples in shifters since there are animal/human characters). This helps to add a dynamic about family to the couple without having to go with adoption or surrogacy. The pregnancy is a different element and result from a bonding, which makes it a popular choice with some of the alpha/omega shifter stories that use gay male characters.
However, since the role is often connected to women issues, there are some drawbacks to being an omega. In some of the worlds, the omega is given a particular reputation. Due to their biology, in particular when it's the ones that go through a heat so struggle to control the influence from the surging hormones, there is a harsh label inflected on the characters.Think of it as similar to the whole nonsense about how women dressing a certain way are “asking for” negative attention. Similar problems but often include things they literally can’t control due to their biology. Of course, the mate or good guy connected to the Omega doesn’t treat them that way most of the time or learn their lesson.
The type of character has different aspects that allow for both strengths and vulnerability. Like with any story, the character development can be important. Even when using common features, it is often better not to overly rely on stereotypes. Even with characters that have particular roles or traits expected by most readers. Reading some stories set in an omegaverse will help, if interested in trying them out. Do check for triggers and heat level. Some stories do involve things like hurt/comfort or mention past abuse. Many will give warnings nowadays to help a reader avoid something they aren’t comfortable readings. Same with heat levels since the content can be glossed over or get very adult, depending on the story. Helps to check first before going to read, especially if you listen to audiobooks and someone else might hear at random.
While the omega is seen as a weaker character in some stories, it can also be quite the opposite. The alpha character needs the omega. Know of a couple stories that combine military and alpha characters where having a group of too many dominating alpha types is considered a bad thing. They need to have at least one omega, if not more, depending on the number of alphas in the group. The omega anchors them or gives them support to help keep things under control.
This is just an overview. There is so much more detail that can be involved in the characters, the world and whether it is written fiction or manga. They can be fun to write and pair, depending on the type of story. While the romance side is common, I bet someone could have the connection be on the side, in the backdrop, with a conflict that doesn't relate to the relationship. Can make for an interesting pair to use for a story. Might have to write a few. 
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Have you ever read or written a story with an omega character?
Last month was the broader range topic that brought up the omega along with shifters and other characters found within those worlds. Here is a comment sent in regards to that newsletter:
Comment by brom21  :
Honestly romance and/erotic stories are far from my forte. lol. In fact t he at is the only genre I have not wrote, at least not as the prime focus. I have until interwoven small love factions on the side but they are just cute, tender moments that make you think “Awe, how sweet.” I really loved the shape shifting aspect. Fantasy is my genre so I took to the dragon and phoenix morphing very much! Thanks for the NL!
- Thanks for the comment. The romance/erotica is something that can be difficult. I never planned to write any but have found it alongside my other interests. Though one can also take shifters and have the romance be in the back or not involved in the conflict. Some deal with issues like territory (having packs is common since many use wolf shifters) and there are political or action based story lines that work well with the type of character too. Having the combination of animal with human helps in some ways for readers to suspend their belief while also forming connections with the characters.
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Fantasy: February 21, 2024 Issue [#12426]
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