Themes of fantasy
Fantasy is difficult to define even though many have tried. What one does often try to do however is identify one or more 'fanatic elements' that can be found in what are considered fantasy texts.
It has been suggested.....
Its surface is UNREAL: in an extraordinary world the laws of nature are suspended.
Its depths are REAL: these books reveal basic, balanced truths about people and life.
PLOT:
Fantasy presents writing that has a strong narrative, which is often more important than characterisation.
There is a “quest” element with a journey and goal, often epic in nature.
Fantasy contains twists and turns in the plot and unexpected events.
Enchantment and spells are cast and broken (e.g. toads and beasts are restored to human form; princesses sleep until woken with a kiss).
The protagonists make moral decisions in a world in which goodness has been violated through mindless and willful (i.e. thoughtless, dishonorable, or treacherous) behaviour.
The main characters’object is transformation of evil so that the old (virtuous) order is restored.
SETTING:
It is often set in a world or universe of its own where there is close attention to detail in describing the setting.
In some instances the characters are transported from our 'real' world to the fantasy wolrd (and then home again at the end of the quest or saga)
Magical objects can be found in this new world or ordinary objects take on extraordinary powers.(e.g. rings, stones, swords, cloaks, sandals, potions).
CHARACTER:
Challenges, obstacles, setbacks for characters are present in this genre; characters are focused on overcoming these obstacles.
Magical creatures with diverse roles are prevalent (e.g. dwarfs, witches, giants, trolls, wizards, fairies, elves)
The protagonists usually do not possess supernatural powers, unless such powers are temporarily needed to complete a quest or overcome evil.
Supernatural beings are rarely the protagonists; they help or hinder the main characters.
WORLD VIEW:
Strong emphasis on good versus evil, with eventual triumph of good.
In some instances there is an analogy with what is / was happening in the word at the time the story was written.
It has been suggested.....
Its surface is UNREAL: in an extraordinary world the laws of nature are suspended.
Its depths are REAL: these books reveal basic, balanced truths about people and life.
PLOT:
Fantasy presents writing that has a strong narrative, which is often more important than characterisation.
There is a “quest” element with a journey and goal, often epic in nature.
Fantasy contains twists and turns in the plot and unexpected events.
Enchantment and spells are cast and broken (e.g. toads and beasts are restored to human form; princesses sleep until woken with a kiss).
The protagonists make moral decisions in a world in which goodness has been violated through mindless and willful (i.e. thoughtless, dishonorable, or treacherous) behaviour.
The main characters’object is transformation of evil so that the old (virtuous) order is restored.
SETTING:
It is often set in a world or universe of its own where there is close attention to detail in describing the setting.
In some instances the characters are transported from our 'real' world to the fantasy wolrd (and then home again at the end of the quest or saga)
Magical objects can be found in this new world or ordinary objects take on extraordinary powers.(e.g. rings, stones, swords, cloaks, sandals, potions).
CHARACTER:
Challenges, obstacles, setbacks for characters are present in this genre; characters are focused on overcoming these obstacles.
Magical creatures with diverse roles are prevalent (e.g. dwarfs, witches, giants, trolls, wizards, fairies, elves)
The protagonists usually do not possess supernatural powers, unless such powers are temporarily needed to complete a quest or overcome evil.
Supernatural beings are rarely the protagonists; they help or hinder the main characters.
WORLD VIEW:
Strong emphasis on good versus evil, with eventual triumph of good.
In some instances there is an analogy with what is / was happening in the word at the time the story was written.