#incarnate

It is deeply validating to see trans experiences and traits reflected throughout Anne Rice’s own writing and experiences, Jacob Anderson’s portrayal, and the passionate trans-representative works by fellow fans.

Over the years, especially as I’ve aged, I’ve noticed that many fictionkin spaces have begun to feel increasingly adjacent to fandom spaces. Observing a recurring pattern of people affirming identities primarily to start or preserve friendships and/or maintain social connections. At best, I find that dishonest.

Incarnate was never intended to be just another fictional identity label. It was created for those of us who involuntarily identify as a fictional character so deeply that we feel compelled to embody and express that identity in our offline lives. For us, it isn’t simply an internal experience or online label—it’s something we actively seek to make tangible. This is not something I expect to resonate with everyone but it has with some.

I’ve been contemplating potential glyphs and/or symbols to provide some sort of imagery to the incarnate experience. It’s been difficult to visualize though I’m currently settled on highlighting dimensions as that is a big aspect of what separates us physically from our sources.

Point (0D) — Essence (Concept). A possibility, idea, or identity before a character has taken any recognizable form.

Line (1D) — Becoming (Narrative). A story unfolding through time. The character begins to take shape through description, action, and development.

Shape (2D) — Form (Vampire Character). The identity becomes recognizable as a character, image, narrative, or fictional being. It can be written, illustrated, animated, or otherwise represented, but remains confined to a conceptual space.

Volume (3D) — Flesh (Incarnate). The identity possesses depth, space, and physical existence. It is no longer encountered only as an image, story, or concept, but as something embodied and lived.

We know fiction exists in a flat conceptual space. Through awakening and outward expression it gains that dimension, volume, and reality.

The Incarnate identity is specific to (vampire) fictional characters. While similar to reincarnation, it is a distinct experience. Reincarnation typically refers to a previously existing being or identity returning to physical life, whereas Incarnate refers to a fictional being becoming realized through a physical person. This distinction is central to the term, as it focuses on identities that are generally understood to be fictional rather than historically or physically existing.