To be honest, the important part of the character isn't necessarily having it in-character. After all, I've read so many stories that are fantastic, even though the characters aren't the same. The important part is giving them depth, knowing when to stop, and of course, keeping the fundamental core of their personality or being. It's like suddenly making Severus Snape a happy-go-lucky preppy jock, who loves pastels and flowers. It just isn't done.
( but it helps the fanfic if it's written really well, so get lots of editors! [I have 5... =_=" ] )
( but it helps the fanfic if it's written really well, so get lots of editors! [I have 5... =_=" ] )