In novels, ** usually referred to the name of a character or the name of a character. Sometimes, it could also refer to a specific place or a name. The specific meaning would depend on the plot and character settings of the novel. In some novels, ** could also represent a character's personality traits or values, such as intelligence, cunning, integrity, and so on. Therefore, when reading a novel, one needed to understand the meaning of ** according to the specific plot and character setting.