Must you be so dramatic?

When it comes to real life, nobody wants a lot of drama. When it comes to Stargate fanfiction and shipping Sam and Jack, however, we say "Bring it on!"

Whether there's angsty separations, creepy significant others, fluff, four weddings and a funeral, we aren't truly happy unless there's something dramatic going on. They create it, get in the middle of it, and just can't help it when the find themselves in dire straits. We welcome their struggle because in the end they all love, um...live happily ever after, right?

Best Drama!

Drama is a genre that relies on the emotional and relational development of realistic characters. Often, dramatic themes are taken from intense, real life issues. Whether heroes or heroines are facing a conflict from the outside or a conflict within themselves, Drama aims to tell an honest story of human struggles.

From a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed captain to a seasoned commander - fandom celebrates Sam Carter

Sam Carter. One of the best female role models on TV, ever. Reason enough to inspire a whole category on its own: the Best Characterization of Sam.

A strong and intelligent character who doesn't rely on her looks to help her get what she wants. No, Sam is just a kick-ass soldier with a brilliant mind, who just happens to be an attractive woman as well. Not that there's anything wrong with being good-looking - after all, none of the men on SG-1 could be called ugly by any stretch of the imagination.

Although Sam's first appearance wasn't the best - even the biggest fans have to admit there were some cringe-worthy lines there - she managed to pique everyone's interest and quickly proved her worth to the men. Just because she's a girl doesn't mean she can't fire an M5/P90 with deadly accuracy, pull a brilliant plan out of her six or blow up a sun!

Clearly, she's not your typical female character in a TV show. She's not perfect either; like everyone, she has her flaws (two psycho ex-fiances, albeit in varying degrees, for starters) and that's what makes her so great. Sam is a genius in a field usually dominated by men and an officer in the United States Air Force - or "this man's army", in the words of Janet Fraiser's ex-husband - but like any normal person she makes her share of mistakes and isn't afraid to own up to them. 

Her intelligence and strong persona can be difficult to write for even the most experienced writers. Everyone interprets certain behavior and interactions differently, which complicates things like characterization but deep down there are certain things that are just Sam and everyone can agree on that. Like how despite Sam's analytic mind she has a big heart and isn't always the most confident in her own abilities - not to mention her bad track record with men. The following fanfictions have all been nominated because the authors did a great job when writing Sam!

Well, that's enough of us going on and on about the awesomeness that is Samantha Carter. Let's start with the first half of the nominated fics in this category!

Best Characterization of Sam Carter!

From a man on a brink to 'The Man' - fandom celebrates Jack O'Neill

Jack O'Neill.  For many he's enough to inspire a litany all on his own.  For that reason, the Best Characterization of Jack category was born.

He's a tough character to write.  With his distinctive speech patterns, O'Neill-isms, projected personality and soft under-belly, writing him is like trying to level a balance with pinfeathers.  

But when a writer gets it right, it's undeniable.  Jack O'Neill jumps off the page and the reader can practically hear his voice and feel his emotion.

This category is deep with incredibly written Jack O'Neill.  Let's see what the readers had to say.

Category: Best Characterization of Jack