Core Insights - The concept of Original Character (OC) has evolved into a cultural phenomenon among young people, particularly in the context of social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and Weibo, where sharing OC experiences has become a fashionable trend [1][8] - OC creation serves as an emotional outlet for young individuals, allowing them to express their creativity and connect with their feelings in a more personal and liberated manner compared to traditional fandom activities like watching dramas or following idols [1][19] - The OC culture has given rise to a comprehensive industry chain that includes content creation, visual presentation, and monetization opportunities for creators [1][8] OC Creation Process - The process of creating an OC typically begins with defining the character's name, traits, and backstory, which helps in building a rich and multidimensional character [2][5] - Continuous development and interaction are essential for maintaining an OC, with creators often updating their characters' stories and visuals to keep them dynamic [4][5] Community Engagement - Many OC creators engage with the community by sharing their characters and collaborating with others, which can include interactions between different OCs, creating partnerships, and even participating in offline events like cosplay [4][7] - The emotional investment in OCs is significant, with creators often referring to themselves as "OC moms," indicating a deep personal connection to their characters [7] Monetization Opportunities - The OC culture has led to various monetization avenues, including selling character development questionnaires and offering commission-based artwork or writing services [8][13] - Some creators have successfully sold thousands of questionnaires related to OC development, indicating a strong market demand for such products [13] - Custom OC-related games and physical merchandise, such as dolls and figurines, are emerging as new revenue streams, with prices varying based on complexity and size [13][16] Demographics and Challenges - The OC community primarily consists of young individuals, including many middle and high school students, which has raised concerns about financial management and potential disputes over payments for commissioned work [16] - The emotional and financial investment in OCs can lead to significant spending, with some individuals reportedly spending large sums on character development [8][16] Cultural Significance - The OC phenomenon reflects a broader trend in the two-dimensional culture, where young people seek to express themselves and interact with the real world through their characters and narratives [19] - This cultural shift indicates that platforms focusing on two-dimensional content may become new avenues for engagement and monetization, providing emotional support and creative outlets for young creators [19]