Roleswap AU

A Roleswap AU denotes an alternate universe where characters, usually in pairs, are depicted in each other’s roles, sometimes also swapping each others’ general personality. It is one of the most common kinds of AUs, and can be used for just about any fandom. Comparable to a Role*shift* AU, which does not swap roles between pairs, but shifts roles from one character to another typically without reciprocation.

To give an example; there are 6 characters. A, B, C, D, E and F. In canon, A and B, C and D, and E and F are all associated strongly with one another. So, in a *Swap* AU, A is put into B’s role, and in reciprocation, B is put into A’s role. Similarly, C and D’s roles are given to each other, and the same is done with E and F. So, the exchanges look like this:

* A > B
* B > A
* C > D
* D > C
* E > F
* F > E

However, in a *Shift* AU, there is no singular arrangement pattern—it’s usually whatever the AU maker has ideas for. If the Maker thinks A would look good in E’s role, A in put in E’s role. But now A’s role is open, and the Maker thinks C would look good in that role, so they put them there, and so on and so forth. Therefore, the changes end up something like this:

* A > E
* B > F
* C > A
* D > B
* E > C
* F > D

It should be noted that characters swapping personalities usually does not actually mean simply body-swapping them and making their personalities identical to their swap-partner’s original personalities. Instead, it is the general concept of the characters’ personalities that are switched, and the goal is generally to create a new version of the character whose personality gives the same impression that the original counterpart’s does. If a character has a specific thing as a theme or interest, they may still have that interest or theme, but with a different object.

One fandom that popularised this AU format was the Undertale fandom; characters such as Sans and Papyrus were depicted with swapped personalities, with Sans being the more high-strung and enthusiastic one, and Papyrus being more laid back and unbothered, while their original counterparts had the opposite dynamic. In a somewhat similar fashion, Toriel—the motherly character you meet at the start of the game—and Asgore—the king of the Underground—swap roles, meaning Toriel is Queen, and Asgore is the one you meet in the start of the game.

Swap Counterparts:

* Sola, the Swap counterpart of Eclipse, swapped with her brother Zephyr. In doing this, Eclipse takes the role of the little sister, more enthusiastic and cheerful.
* Zefir, the Swap counterpart of Zephyr, swapped with his sister Eclipse. In doing this, Zephyr takes the role of the big brother, becoming jaded and protective. While main universe Eclipse struggled with alcoholism, Zefir struggles with drug addiction.
* Grégoire Faulkner, the Swap counterpart of Gregory Vecellio, swapped with best friend Stella. Quiet runaway who escaped an incredibly abusive foster home, and most days wanders the streets of Detroit using his Stand to stay alive. Manages to stay spunky and brave despite his situation, and avoids home as much as possible.
* Stelline Vecellio, the Swap counterpart of Stella Octangula, swapped with best friend Gregory. Shy and skittish child prodigy who was blinded after a brutal injury and now relies on their Stand to see. Abused by many, many people until finally being adopted by the Vecellios, who love and care for them deeply, and try to coax them out of their shell again.