History Main / DependingOnTheWriter

** DependingOnTheWriter/TheSimpsons
** DependingOnTheWriter/SpongeBobSquarePants

* Myth/KingArthur. Basically every possible interpretation of him has been seen somewhere, from noble warrior with a few minor failings, to a largely inactive figure who sits back and lets the Knights do all the work, to a deeply flawed man who happens to be the hero Logres needs, to a bloody-handed tyrant. This is to say nothing of the lineup of the Round Table, many of whom have been altered so many times and written in so many different ways that only the name remains even semi-constant.

* In any theatre production, it is common that the [[AlternateCharacterInterpretation way the characters are presented]] will be different depending on the actor and director. For example, in ''{{Theatre/Oklahoma}}!'', Jud Fry can be played as a buffoon lacking intelligence, a possessive and evil man, a slightly insane man or a sympathetic and misunderstood man who struggles with depression. Curly could also be played as an overconfident and cocky braggart who is slightly cowardly or a person who is confident and charming. This mostly depends on the depth of the director.
** It can also happen with the choice of actor, too - some characters tend to make a character sound different. Or in the case of a certain character. Brunhilde. They normally had [[BrawnHilda fat or extremely masculine looking women]] play her, but with a choice of actress, she becomes more attractive.

* In ''Theatre/BareAPopOpera'', Nadia's CharacterSignatureSong is about how she's fat and hates the way people treat her for it, however in some productions she's only HollywoodPudgy, and her problem is how she sees ''herself''.

* In ''Theatre/JasperInDeadland', the script has Mr Lethe describe to [[SecretaryOfEvil Ms Hathaway]] what their lives will be like when he is in charge, to which she responds "My heart beats with anticipation...". Depending on the production, Hathaway is either speaking genuinely as there is [[SleepingWithTheBoss some kind of relationship between them]], sarcastically because he's describing her still doing [[YouGetMeCoffee menial labor like getting him drinks and sunscreen]], or genuinely because [[IgnoredEnamoredUnderling she's in love with him]] despite the fact that he sees her as just an employee.

In some stories, a character is very different every time they appear--so different that it's almost [[AlternateUniverse a different character with the same name]]. This is particularly common with long-running shows and comic books and even Wiki/ThisVeryWiki, due to the large number of writers on staff. But there are some characters where even the ''same'' writer makes them different every time, deciding to tweak their personalities as the plot demands or for RuleOfFunny.

[[folder:Film]]

** Although the question of whether ToBeLawfulOrGood has remained consistent throughout his appearances, Steve Rogers has had different sides of his personality emphasized depending on whether Joe Johnston or the Russo Brothers or Joss Whedon are helming the movie. In the Johnston/Russos' movies (written by Christopher Markus and Stephen [=McFeely=]), their take on Cap emphasizes the grimmer, human side of Steve, forcing him to reflect upon all that he's lost, his place in the world and whether he should be ''Captain America'' or ''Steve Rogers'', with him always picking the latter, lawfulness be damned. Conversely, Whedon's take on the character tends to have him focusing on the threat at hand while downplaying his "Man Out Of Time" habits, emphasizing his ''Captain America'' persona and having him be a more self-assured figure who takes pride in the lawful GoodOldWays and is critical of rulebreakers.
*** On a more minor note, Steve's LoveInterest - be it hinted or stated - varies depending on the movie. ''The First Avenger'' and ''Age of Ultron'' showcases Peggy as his one true love, only for ''The Winter Soldier'' and ''Civil War'' to bounce him between a ShipTease with Natasha Romanoff and Sharon Carter, respectively. ''Endgame'' puts the debate to rest by solidifying Peggy as his heart's desire, but it's pretty clear that his romance subplot went through more twists and turns than was strictly necessary due to WritingByTheSeatOfYourPants (Sharon was planned to be Steve's primary love interest as in the comics, but a combination of Peggy becoming a SmurfetteBreakout, Natasha's expanded role in ''The Winter Soldier'' absorbing scenes originally meant for Sharon, and the delayed Steve/Sharon romance in ''Civil War'' going over like a lead balloon, made the decision to return to Peggy a case of last-minute course correction).

*** In general, Arachne and Athena's characterization changes depending on the storyteller. In one version Arachne is not only proud of her skill but openly insults the gods, and quite frankly is asking for it. In another she simply caught the eye of Athena by being a talented weaver. Similarly, in some versions Athena is a graceful goddess who gives Arachne every chance to prove herself, while in others she's petty and vindictive.
*** In the darkest version (but arguably the one that portrays Arachne and Athena most favorably), Arachne hangs herself in Athena's temple as a self-imposed penance for defeating her idol whom she worshiped (she would have thrown the match had she known who her opponent was). Athena is saddened by Arachne's death, and touched by her devotee's piety. To memorialize her skill, she changes the noose into a thread, and Arachne's corpse into the first spider.

** Loki's characterization: in ''Film/{{Thor}}'', he's characterized as an AffablyEvil AntiVillain and [[TragicVillain tragic figure]]. In ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'', Creator/JossWhedon characterizes him as FauxAffablyEvil and almost entirely without redeeming features. Whedon even states on the DVDCommentary that he set out to make Loki less sympathetic. The writers of ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'' and ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' had to merge the two characterizations, while ''Series/{{Loki}}'' centered its character development on his inconsistent personality and finding who the "real" Loki is (Loki himself feels troubled watching his gleeful sadism from ''The Avengers'').

** In some versions Arachne actually ''is'' that good and wins the weaving contest, with Athena retaliating out of pettiness. In others, Arachne weaves a tapestry that is indeed very good, but Athena (being an immortal goddess) weaves one which is infinitely more beautiful, and Athena punishes Arachne for her hubris by transforming her into a spider.

** Loki's characterization: in ''Film/{{Thor}}'', he's characterized as an AffablyEvil AntiVillain and [[TragicVillain tragic figure]]. In ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'', Creator/JossWhedon characterizes him as FauxAffablyEvil and almost entirely without redeeming features. Whedon even states on the DVDCommentary that he set out to make Loki less sympathetic. The writers of ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'' and ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' had to merge the two characterizations, while ''Series/{{Loki}}'' centered its character development on his inconsistent personality.

** Loki's characterization: in ''Film/{{Thor}}'', he's characterized as an AffablyEvil AntiVillain and [[TragicVillain tragic figure]]. In ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'', Creator/JossWhedon characterizes him as FauxAffablyEvil and almost entirely without redeeming features. Whedon even states on the DVDCommentary that he set out to make Loki less sympathetic. The writers of ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'' and ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' had to merge the two characterizations.

[[folder:Real Life]]
* If one of the religions is true, humanity is a chosen people of some sort. Meanwhile, if none were true, we would just be some sort of conquering ape specoes that broke evolution.
[[/folder]]

** Loki's characterization: in ''Film/{{Thor}}'', he's characterized as an AffablyEvil AntiVillain and [[TragicVillain tragic figure]]. In ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'', where Creator/JossWhedon's version is FauxAffablyEvil and almost entirely without redeeming features. Whedon even states on the DVDCommentary that he set out to make Loki less sympathetic. The writers of ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'' and ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' had to merge the two characterizations.

** Loki's characterization: in the ''Film/{{Thor}}'' movie writers portray him as an AffablyEvil AntiVillain and [[TragicVillain tragic figure]], where Creator/JossWhedon's version is FauxAffablyEvil and almost entirely without redeeming features. Whedon even states on the DVDCommentary that he set out to make Loki less sympathetic. The writers of ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'' and ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' had to merge the two characterizations.

** In the ''Avengers'' films written and directed by Joss Whedon, Natasha's main connection to the team are Bruce Banner (as a feared TerrorHero to her in the first and PromotedToLoveInterest in the second) and old friend Hawkeye. In the ''Captain America'' sequels, ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'', and ''Film/AvengersEndgame'', written by Stephen [=McFeeley=] and Christopher Markus and directed by the Russos, her ''Avengers'' orbit goes through Steve Rogers, elevating the pair into eventual PlatonicLifePartners. Similarly, she's more emotionally open to her teammates (especially Steve) in the latter films while more of a dryly detached teammate in Whedon's films.

** Although the question of whether ToBeLawfulOrGood has remained consistent throughout his appearances, Steve Rogers has had different sides of his personality emphasized depending on whether Joe Johnston or the Russo Brothers or Joss Whedon are helming the movie. In the Johnston/Russos' movies (written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely), their take on Cap emphasizes the grimmer, human side of Steve, forcing him to reflect upon all that he's lost, his place in the world and whether he should be ''Captain America'' or ''Steve Rogers'', with him always picking the latter, lawfulness be damned. Conversely, Whedon's take on the character tends to have him focusing on the threat at hand while downplaying his "Man Out Of Time" habits, emphasizing his ''Captain America'' persona and having him be a more self-assured figure who takes pride in the lawful GoodOldWays and is critical of rulebreakers.
*** On a more minor note, Steve's LoveInterest - be it hinted or stated - varies depending on the movie. The First Avenger and Age of Ultron showcases Peggy as his one true love, only for ''The Winter Soldier'' and ''Civil War'' to bounce him between a ShipTease with Natasha Romanoff and Sharon Carter, respectively. ''Endgame'' puts the debate to rest by solidifying Peggy as his heart's desire, but it's pretty clear that his romance subplot went through more twists and turns than was strictly necessary due to WritingByTheSeatOfYourPants (Sharon was planned to be Steve's primary love interest as in the comics, but a combination of Peggy becoming a SmurfetteBreakout, Natasha's expanded role in ''The Winter Soldier'' absorbing scenes originally meant for Sharon, and the delayed Steve/Sharon romance in ''Civil War'' going over like a lead balloon, made the decision to return to Peggy a case of last-minute course correction).

** While his characterization has largely remained consistent, Steve Rogers has had different sides of his personality emphasized depending on whether the Russo Brothers or Joss Whedon are helming the movie. In the Russos' movies, their take on Cap emphasizes the grimmer, human side of Steve, forcing him to reflect upon all that he's lost, his place in the world and whether he should be ''Captain America'' or ''Steve Rogers'', with him always picking the latter. Conversely, Whedon's take on the character tends to have him focusing on the threat at hand while downplaying his "Man Out Of Time" habits, emphasizing his ''Captain America'' persona and having him be a more self-assured figure.
*** On a more minor note, Steve's LoveInterest - be it hinted or stated - varies depending on the movie. The First Avenger and Age of Ultron showcases Peggy as his one true love, only for the Winter Soldier and Civil War to bounce him between a ShipTease with Natasha Romanoff and Sharon Carter, respectively. ''Endgame'' puts the debate to rest by solidifying Peggy as his heart's desire, but it's pretty clear that his romance subplot went through more twists and turns than was strictly necessary due to the shift in writers from movie to movie.

Fanfiction is, by its very nature, this trope. How canon characters are portrayed vary greatly from fanfic to fanfic depending on the writer.

* This is just as pronounced, if not more so, in the WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic fandom; different authors will very often have different interpretations of the characters and setting, as expected of fanfic. But it gets ''really'' extreme when it comes to works about the many MemeticBystander characters whose personalities are based primarily in fanon rather than canon. Two stories by different authors about characters like [[MemeticBystander Derpy Hooves]] or [[EnsembleDarkhorse Lyra]] will likely treat the characters ''very'' differently.

* In the ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'' alternate universe ''FanFic/ReverseFallsAu'', the details vary due to its popularity and many different writers and artists. There are some general common features: mostly the general designs of the characters, the DarkerAndEdgier approach, and the MirrorUniverse and SwappedRoles aspects, though even these are not clear cut. Details will change a lot depending on the author's headcanons. The twins' "evilness" varies wildly: sometimes they are redeemable antagonists, with personalities close to canon!Gideon or canon!Pacifica, and sometimes they are irredeemable monsters and murderers. Sometimes Stan and Ford are more like Bud Gleeful and sometimes they’re the true BigBad. Sometimes Will is a victim or messing with the twins. Sometimes Pacifica will be a hippie type, or more like canon!Mabel. Sometimes the story will be DarkerAndEdgier, sometimes it is BloodierAndGorier, and sometimes it is close to the canon series' tone. It overall depends on what version the writer or artist wants to do.

*** In general, Arachne and Athena's characterization changes depending on the storyteller. In one version Arachne is not only proud of her skill but openly insults the gods, and quite frankly is asking for it. In another she simply caught the eye of Athena by being a talented weaver. Conversely, in some versions Athena is a graceful goddess who gives Arachne every chance to prove herself, while in others she's petty and vindictive.

* In the ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'' alternate universe ''FanFic/ReverseFallsAu'', the details vary due to its popularity and many different writers and artists. There are some general common features: mostly the general designs of the characters, the DarkerAndEdgier approach, and the MirrorUniverse and SwappedRoles aspects, though even these are not clear cut. Details will change a lot depending on the author's headcanons. The twins' "evilness" varies wildly: sometimes they are redeemable antagonists, with personalities close to canon!Gideon or canon!Pacifica, and sometimes they are irredeemable monsters and SerialKillers. Sometimes Stan and Ford are more like Bud Gleeful and sometimes they’re the true BigBad. Sometimes Will is a victim or messing with the twins. Sometimes Pacifica will be a hippie type, or more like canon!Mabel. Sometimes the story will be DarkerAndEdgier, sometimes it is BloodierAndGorier, and sometimes it is close to the canon series' tone. It overall depends on what version the writer or artist wants to do.

* In the ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'' alternate universe ''FanFic/ReverseFallsAu'', the details vary due to its popularity and many different writers and artists. There are some general common features: mostly the general designs of the characters, the DarkerAndEdgier approach, and the MirrorUniverse and SwappedRoles aspects, though even these are not clear cut. Details will change a lot depending on the author's headcanons. The twins' "evilness" varies wildly: sometimes they are redeemable antagonists, with personalities close to canon!Gideon or canon!Pacifica, and sometimes they are irredeemable monsters and SerialKillers. Sometimes Stan and Ford are more like Bud Gleeful and sometimes they’re the true BigBad. Sometimes Will is a victim or messing with the twins. Sometimes the story will be DarkerAndEdgier, sometimes it is BloodierAndGorier, and sometimes it is close to the canon series' tone. It overall depends on what version the writer or artist wants to do.

* In the ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'' alternate universe ''FanFic/ReverseFallsAu'', the details vary due to its popularity and many different writers and artists. There are some general common features: mostly the general designs of the characters, the DarkerAndEdgier approach, and the MirrorUniverse and SwappedRoles aspects, though even these are not clear cut. Details will change a lot depending on the author's headcanons. The twins' "evilness" varies wildly: sometimes they are redeemable antagonists, with personalities close to canon!Gideon or canon!Pacifica, and sometimes they are irredeemable monsters and Serial Killers. Sometimes Stan and Ford are more like Bud Gleeful and sometimes they’re the true BigBad. Sometimes Will is a victim or messing with the twins. Sometimes the story will be DarkerAndEdgier, sometimes it is BloodierAndGorier, and sometimes it is close to the canon series' tone. It overall depends on what version the writer or artist wants to do.