Using copyrighted characters in a sequel story

[vicars]

Hi, can anyone explain what would happen if I wrote a story that followed on from a recently written novel using the same characters etc. I understand that this will be a breach of copyright as I would be using an authors characters in the story but what are the consequences assuming I just wanted to put it out on the net and so made no material gain? Many thanks in advance all you IP rights lawyers out there!

[Aschenbach]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_novel

See especially the Gone With The Wind example and the russian Tanya Grotter series.

Note that in the UK older books are only protected by copyright for 70 years after the author's death under CDPA 1988.

Even if there is a breach any legal action would depend upon whether it is a commercial copy, a parody or fan-fiction etc.