Well, the characters in fantasy and science fiction are quite different. Fantasy characters often come from a world where magic is a normal part of life. They might be on a quest to defeat an evil sorcerer using their own magical powers or the help of magical artifacts. On the other hand, science fiction characters are usually in a world driven by technology. They could be part of a space exploration team, facing challenges like alien invasions or technical malfunctions. Their personalities are also shaped by their technological environment. For instance, in a post - apocalyptic science fiction story, characters might be more survival - oriented and resourceful due to the scarcity of resources and the presence of dangerous technology.
Fantasy books often deal with magic, mythical creatures, and otherworldly realms that don't have a basis in scientific fact. For example, in 'Harry Potter', wizards use magic wands. Science fiction, on the other hand, is usually based on scientific concepts or theories, even if they are speculative. In 'The Martian', the story is about a man surviving on Mars using scientific knowledge.
In fantasy, magic is a central element, often defying the laws of physics we know. For example, a wizard can make objects fly with a wave of his wand. In science fiction, while there may be extraordinary phenomena, they are usually based on some scientific theory, like warp drive in Star Trek which is based on the idea of bending space - time. Also, the settings are different. Fantasy often has medieval - like or otherworldly settings, while science fiction can be set in the future or on other planets.
Fantasy novels often rely on magic and mythical creatures. For example, in 'The Chronicles of Narnia', there are talking animals and magic spells. Science fiction, on the other hand, usually has a basis in science or technology. Like in 'Star Trek', there are spaceships and advanced alien technologies. Fantasy is more about the impossible made possible through magic, while science fiction tries to make the far - fetched seem plausible through science concepts.
In gothic, characters are often haunted by their past or by some dark force. They might be victims of a curse or a family secret. For example, a young woman in a gothic story might be tormented by the ghosts of her ancestors. In science fiction, characters are usually more focused on exploring new frontiers, either in space or in technology. They are often scientists, astronauts, or rebels against a technocratic society.
Short stories are more concise. They usually focus on one main idea or concept. For example, a short story might explore just the idea of time travel in a simple setting. Novels, on the other hand, can develop multiple complex storylines and characters. A science fiction novel could have an entire world - building aspect around time travel, with different groups trying to control it.
In science fiction, there's a focus on technology and scientific concepts that you don't find as much in other genres. For example, while a romance might focus on relationships, science fiction will often use technology as a key part of the relationship, like two people falling in love across different galaxies because of advanced communication devices. Another difference is the settings. Science fiction often has settings that are far - flung in space or time, unlike a historical genre which is rooted in a specific time in the past.
Science fantasy novels often include more elements of magic or the supernatural compared to pure science fiction. For example, in a pure science fiction novel, things are usually explained by scientific principles. But in science fantasy, you might have a character with magical powers in a world that also has spaceships. Science fiction is more about the exploration of scientific concepts like time travel based on scientific theories. Science fantasy doesn't always adhere strictly to scientific plausibility and can incorporate things like mythological creatures or spells.
Stock characters play a significant role in science fiction. They are like building blocks for the genre. The use of these characters helps in world - building. For instance, the presence of alien species as stock characters helps to create diverse and imaginative universes. They also drive the plot. The conflict between a hero and an evil genius is a classic plot - driving device. Moreover, they allow for different interpretations and development over time. A stock character like the post - apocalyptic survivor can be explored in different ways in different stories, showing how society might be rebuilt or how humans might change in such extreme circumstances. This evolution of stock characters keeps the genre fresh while still maintaining some of its core elements.
Pure science - fiction books tend to explore the implications of scientific advancements, technological breakthroughs, and their impact on society or the universe. They might be more cerebral in nature. For example, 'Neuromancer' delves deep into the concept of cyberspace. In contrast, science fiction fighting fantasy books are action - packed. They feature characters engaged in combat, whether it's with swords, lasers, or superpowers. 'Dragonlance' is a good example. It has magic - using characters fighting in a world that has some science - fiction - like elements such as dragon mounts. The pacing in fighting fantasy is often faster due to the constant battles, while pure science - fiction can have a more measured pace focused on scientific discovery.
Science fantasy stories differ from pure science fiction in that they don't rely solely on scientific plausibility. For example, in pure science fiction, concepts like time travel are often explored with a certain level of scientific grounding. In science fantasy, time travel might be combined with magic - like elements. Compared to pure fantasy, science fantasy usually has a technological or scientific aspect. Pure fantasy might be set in a completely made - up world with no relation to real - world science, like a world of fairies and wizards where magic has no scientific explanation. Science fantasy, on the other hand, might have a world where magic and technology co - exist, such as a world where people use magic - powered spaceships.