Episode Details

What is Retroactive Continuity?

Retroactive continuity (often called retcon) is a storytelling device used in fiction when authors or creators deliberately change, add to, or contradict facts that were previously established in a story’s “official past.” In essence, the story’s “history” gets rewritten, sometimes subtly and sometimes quite dramatically. (Wikipedia)

According to one definition:

“Retroactive continuity is a literary device in which previously established information in a work of fiction is changed, ignored, or contradicted to suit the current story.” (TCK Publishing)

The motivations for retconning can vary:

• To correct continuity errors or inconsistencies that arose in earlier installments. (Wikipedia)
• To expand or deepen a story by adding new layers—backstories, motivations, relationships—that simply weren’t there before. (Language & Humanities)
• To reboot or reimagine a story, more in line with new creative direction, audience expectations, or modern sensibilities. (Language & Humanities)
• To revive characters (e.g., bring back a “dead” character) or reset aspects of the fictional universe to allow new plots. (Wikipedia)

In long-running franchises — comics, film series, TV shows — retcons are especially common because over time, multiple writers or creators may contribute, or earlier plot points simply don’t hold up to new storytelling ambitions. (FourWeekMBA)

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