Typically, in a fandom community fans will feel the need to 'ship' or wish for two characters to be in a romantic relationship. Movie Studios even have picked up on this and themed merchandise for ship (i.e. Twilight and Team Edward or Jacob.) But why? What does a romantic relationship do or not do for a story? Why do some fans feel the need to protect their ship?
Of particular note could be Harry Potter, Twilight, and most recently the Avengers.
Could also be interesting to look at shipping in terms of sexuality as well. For example, the Cumberbatch Sherlock and Watson relationship has a very strong fanbase, as well as shipping between Beca and Chloe from Pitch Perfect, despite the fact that it's indicated (in Pitch Perfect at least) that the characters are opposite-gender attracted. – Hannah Spencer10 years ago
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