Whump

A term often used within fanfiction and fandom communities to describe the act of causing a character significant physical or emotional distress, frequently resulting in injury, illness, or trauma. It encompasses a wide spectrum of suffering, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to severe injury and psychological turmoil. The emphasis is on the character enduring hardship, prompting feelings of empathy, concern, or protective instincts in the audience. The degree of 'whumping' is often gauged by the severity and duration of the character's suffering. It's a subjective term, and the level considered acceptable varies by reader preference.

Whump meaning with examples

• Example 1: The villain's latest attack resulted in a brutal 'whump' scene for the hero. He was caught in an explosion, leaving the reader worried he would make it. Fans anticipate a dramatic recovery arc in the coming chapters, filled with slow healing, agonizing pain, and close calls. This kind of story often provokes deep emotional investment.
• Example 2: The doctor in the story suffers a nasty whump! He became ill with the infection. The team struggled to find a cure, forcing him to endure fever, hallucinations, and the fear of death. This narrative choice explores themes of vulnerability, medical ethics, and the impact of illness on the healer.
• Example 3: The fanfiction detailed a significant 'whump' moment for the normally stoic character. The character endured a kidnapping. The captivity was made worse by physical and emotional torture which challenged the character's resilience and forced him to confront his deepest fears in order to survive.
• Example 4: Writers in the fandom often use the term 'whump' to describe the kind of stories they enjoy writing. A popular request on the site was for the character to be put into a difficult situation. This is a common theme for the writer to get the character into trouble, which engages readers. The suffering evokes strong emotional responses.
• Example 5: The author knew they were diving into 'whump' territory when they put the characters in a collapsing building. The falling debris crushed and pinned one of the character's legs. His cries for help, coupled with the uncertainty of rescue, ratcheted up the tension. This generated immense suspense among readers.