Literature

Literature

Of or pertaining to the art of writing in any form or style, most especially published works.

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Literature > Fiction

peripheral character ego

Literature; Fiction

The antidote to superman syndrome, the legitimate desire of peripheral characters to be doing something even when being ignored by the protagonists and author. Every peripheral ...

phildickian

Literature; Fiction

Named for Philip K. Dick, a surrealist science fiction writer, it describes situations in which reality and illusion become indistinguishable, or moments when the reader’s ...

plot

Literature; Fiction

The external motivation, the narrative melody around which the story is told. Plot is the action that dramatizes premise or makes characters come to life. Example of excellence: ...

travel time

Literature; Fiction

A component of pacing. Characters don’t reverse important decisions in their personalities overnight. The emotional distance a character travels should generally be proportionate ...

trope

Literature; Fiction

A figure of speech, usually used to describe overworked images, literary or dramatic conventions, or stale ideas borrowed from other authors. See ''Used Furniture.''

tuckerizing

Literature; Fiction

Named after Wilson Tucker, the practice of introducing as peripheral characters, or offstage icons, names recognizable to the reader. (For example, naming the Moon’s capital ...

underserve

Literature; Fiction

When an author gives an element less stage time than it deserves. Most often underserved are peripheral characters or those for whom the author feels little sympathy. Stories are ...