Definition
A retcon (short for retroactive continuity) is when a writer goes back and changes, reinterprets, or contradicts something that was previously established as fact in a story. Sometimes it's a blatant reversal ('that character never actually died'), and sometimes it's a clever reframing that makes old events mean something new. Retcons are most common in long-running series, comics, and shared universes where multiple writers contribute over years or decades.
Why It Matters
Understanding retcons helps you think about the contract you have with your reader. Every fact you establish is a promise, and breaking that promise has consequences for trust. That said, retcons aren't always bad - sometimes a story outgrows its early decisions, and a well-executed retcon can deepen what came before. The key is knowing the difference between a retcon that enriches and one that cheats.
Types of Retcon
Famous Examples
Darth Vader being Luke's father is arguably the most famous retcon in pop culture - in the original film, Vader and Luke's father were separate characters.
The introduction of Horcruxes retroactively explains why Voldemort survived the first book, adding new meaning to Tom Riddle's diary.
The mid-novel perspective shift functions like a retcon within a single book, completely rewriting the reader's understanding of earlier chapters.
Common Mistakes
Readers can tell when a retcon exists to bail you out. Make sure any revision adds complexity rather than removing it.
If you need to retcon, target ambiguous or under-specified details rather than vivid, memorable scenes.
Leave yourself some ambiguity in early chapters. Vague details are easier to reinterpret than specific ones.
Try It Yourself
Take a short story you've already written and pick one established fact about a character. Now write a scene that reframes that fact without directly contradicting it. For example, if you said a character 'left home at sixteen,' write a scene revealing the real reason was completely different from what readers assumed.
Catch Contradictions Before Your Readers Do
Novelium's Consistency Guardian tracks every fact you establish about your characters, timeline, and world - so you can make deliberate retcons instead of accidental ones.