The God of Lies Litmus Test
Hey everyone! 😁
So, I was daydreaming (as usual) and my thoughts wandered to Usopp—specifically Usopp-centric fanfiction—and I thought: Wouldn’t it be fun if there was a litmus test for him?
This isn’t a purity test; it’s just a guiding star for anyone who wants to check if their portrayal of Usopp respects his complexity, lets him be brave, messy, and worthy, and uses his strengths while keeping him fun. (Or you can ignore it completely and tell me to sit my a** down, lol.)
I actually use this to hold myself accountable when writing Usopp, and it’s helped me see just how layered and interesting he really is. Feel free to use it, adapt it, or pass it along if you want your One Piece fic to give Usopp his flowers—without draining the joy from your story.
For Usopp: the Straw Hats’ Sniper King, liar, brave coward, and the man who can be a god.
1. Is Usopp’s cowardice framed with compassion (not as cheap mockery or false self-deprecation)?
2. Is Sniper King used to uplift him as a human, not to shame him?
3. Does Water 7 conflict validate Usopp’s feelings (or avoid reducing it to “right vs. wrong”)?
4. Is Usopp shown as a good liar—so good he can act like a bad liar?
5. Are Usopp’s W7 choices framed as necessary for his growth, not as an “Icarus failure”?
6. Is Usopp’s relevance not limited to shipping?
7. Is Yasopp’s abandonment not used to portray Usopp as emotionally stunted?
8. Are Usopp’s strengths used per canon, or extended in believable headcanon that fits canon?
9. Are Usopp’s feelings validated by at least one Straw Hat, not overshadowed by “Luffy’s way”?
10. Does Usopp get at least one bada** moment (and maybe the last word) amid humiliation?
11. Is Usopp allowed to be seen as a “monster” or “god” like his crewmates?
12. Is Usopp’s hair mentioned as something he cares for?
13. Is Usopp heard and validated in-universe?
14. Is Usopp portrayed as worthy and strong?
15. Is Usopp’s apology, if present, meaningful—not forced to prove worth?
16. Is his lack of a Devil Fruit not seen as a flaw?
17. Does Luffy show concern for Usopp at least once?
18. Is Usopp’s unreliable narration handled thoughtfully?
19. Are Usopp’s traits used in a grounded, layered way (not just one exaggerated trait)?
20. Is Usopp allowed to get angry or irrational without being demeaned?
21. Is his lying explored for why he does it, not just condemned?
22. Does Usopp get a fair fight against an opponent?
23. Does the crew show that they need Usopp?
24. Does the crew actively lift Usopp up?
25. Is Usopp allowed to talk smack or poke fun at others without being painted as mean-spirited or lesser for it?
Use as a checklist while drafting or editing your Usopp fic.
You don’t need to check every box, but meeting more will often yield a richer, Usopp-respecting story.
If your fic is meant to critique how he’s treated, you can intentionally subvert a few, but know why.
I’m inspired by this. It’s interesting and well-informed!