Victor FrankensteinVictor Frankenstein, whose character name has sometimes evolved in popular culture to Dr. Frankenstein, is a fictional character who first appeared as the titularmain protagonist of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.
Science fictionLiterary genreCover of Imagination, an American science fiction and fantasy pulp magazine (1952) Prose genres Poetry genres Dramatic genresComedyLibrettoMusicalOperaPlayhistoricalmoralSatireScriptTragedyTragicomedyHistoryAncientMedievalEarly medievalEarly modernRenaissance18th19th20thContemporary21st MediaVoiceaudiobookspeechWritingbookdigital electronicsebookmanuscript Lists and outlinesOutlineGlossaryBooksEpicfolk-epicsPoetsWritersMovementspoetry groupsCyclesLiterary awardspoetryShort story collection / CycleLost literary worklacunaTheory and criticismSociologyMagazinesCompositionLanguageNarrativeComparativeCircleSocietyPost-literate SocietyPeerFeudEstateWorkshopCircleScience fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is the genre of speculative fiction that imagines advanced and futuristic changes in technology, scientific knowledge, or biological systems.
ScientistA scientist is an expert in one or more specific fields of science and who habitually uses scientific methods in carrying out scientific research to advance knowledge in science. In classical antiquity, there was no real ancient analog of a modern scientist. Instead, philosophers engaged in the philosophical study of nature called natural philosophy.
Stock characterA stock character, also known as a character archetype, is a type of character in a narrative (e.g. a novel, play, television show, or film) whom audiences recognize across many narratives or as part of a storytelling tradition or convention. There is a wide range of stock characters, covering people of various ages, social classes and demeanors.Technology in science fictionTechnology in science fiction is a crucial aspect of the science fiction genre. HistoryEmergence and influenceAs science fiction emerged during the era of Industrial Revolution, the increased presence of machines in everyday life and their role in shaping of the society was a major influence on the genre. It appeared as a major element of the Proto SF, represented by machines and gadgets in works of Jules Verne, George Griffith, H. G. Wells, Edward Bellamy and others.
Playing God (ethics)Playing God refers to assuming powers of decision, intervention, or control metaphorically reserved to God. Acts described as playing God may include, for example, deciding who should live or die in a situation where not everyone can be saved, the use and development of biotechnologies such as synthetic biology, and in vitro fertilisation. Usually the expression is used pejoratively and to criticize or argue against the supposedly God-like actions.
AntagonistAn antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the main enemy or rival of the protagonist and is often depicted as a villain. EtymologyThe English word antagonist comes from (from Ancient Greek (antagōnistḗs)'opponent, competitor, villain, enemy, rival, which is derived from anti- ("against") and agonizesthai ("to contend for a prize"'). TypesHeroes and villainsThe antagonist is commonly positioned against the protagonist and their world order.Motif (narrative)A motif ( moh-TEEF), or sometimes a trope, is any distinctive feature, element, or idea that recurs throughout a story; often, it helps develop larger narrative elements such as the story's themes or mood. A narrative motif can be created through the use of imagery, structural components, language, and other elements throughout literature. Symbolism is often expressed through motifs.
VillainEvil character or person Count Dracula is an example of a villain in classic literature and film.
TabooA taboo is a social group's ban, prohibition or avoidance of something (usually an utterance or behavior) based on the group's sense that it is excessively repulsive, offensive, sacred or allowed only for certain people. Such prohibitions are present in virtually all societies. Taboos may be prohibited explicitly, for example within a legal system or religion, or implicitly, for example by social norms or conventions followed by a particular culture or organization.HubrisHubris (; from Ancient Greek (húbris)'pride, insolence, outrage'), or less frequently hybris (), is extreme or excessive pride or dangerous overconfidence and , often in combination with (or synonymous with) arrogance. Hubris, arrogance, and pretension are related to the need for victory (even if it does not always mean winning) instead of reconciliation, which "friendly" groups might promote.
PsychosisAbnormal condition of the mindFor other uses, see Psychosis (other).Medical conditionIn psychopathology, psychosis ( ) is the inability to distinguish what is or is not real. Examples of psychotic symptoms are delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized or incoherent thoughts or speech. Psychosis is a description of a person's state or symptoms, rather than a specific mental illness, and it is not related to the personalityconstruct of psychopathy.
GoodIn most contexts, the concept of good denotes the conduct that should be preferred when posed with a choice between possible actions. Good is generally considered to be the opposite of evil. The meaning and etymology of the term and its associated translations among ancient and contemporary languages show substantial variation in its inflection and meaning, depending on circumstances of place and history, or of philosophical or religious context.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.