The characteristics of the early forms of ancient Chinese novels included: 1. Pay attention to reflecting social reality: The early form of ancient Chinese novels was mainly a kind of social criticism novel, emphasizing the reflection of the novel through the description of social reality to reveal the dark side of society and human weakness. 2. Using myths and legends as a blueprint: The early forms of ancient Chinese novels often used myths and legends as a blueprint to construct the protagonist and plot of the novel through mythical stories and legendary characters. 3. The character image is relatively simple: the early form of Chinese ancient novels is relatively simple in the character image. They often only pay attention to the performance of the protagonist's character and quality, ignoring the image of the supporting characters and secondary characters. 4. The plot structure is relatively simple: The early form of the plot structure of ancient Chinese novels is often relatively simple. It is often to attract readers with the ups and downs and conflicts of the plot rather than focusing on the construction and arrangement of the plot. 5. The use of language is relatively simple: The early forms of ancient Chinese novels are relatively simple in the use of language. They often focus on using simple language to express profound thoughts and emotions rather than using a large number of rhetorical devices and idioms.