In many fantasy fiction books, classic wizards are old and wrinkled, which gives an air of experience. They have a connection to ancient knowledge and magic. They are often solitary figures, spending time in their towers or secluded places studying magic. Their magic is not just about power but also about knowledge. For instance, in 'A Wizard of Earthsea', Ged has to study and learn about the true nature of magic to control his power. They are also usually dressed in robes, which is a kind of visual symbol of their magical identity.
Classic wizards often possess great wisdom. For example, Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' is known for his deep understanding of the world's history and the nature of good and evil. They usually have powerful magic at their disposal. Wizards can also be guides, like Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' series, leading the protagonist through difficult situations. And they tend to be mysterious, with their pasts and true powers often only partially revealed.
Typically, wizards in fiction are intelligent. They have to study a lot of magical knowledge. For example, in 'Harry Potter', students at Hogwarts spend years learning spells. They are also often old - looking, like Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings'. And they usually have some kind of special item, such as a wand.
Well, 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman is a more recent addition to the genre. It's about a group of students learning magic at a secret college, and there are powerful wizard - like figures. Also, 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King has elements of wizardry in its dark and complex world. And 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White has Merlin, the most iconic wizard in Arthurian legends, and it's a classic retelling of the Arthurian story with a focus on the magic and wisdom of Merlin.
They often possess great magical powers. For example, they can cast spells, which range from simple ones like making objects levitate to complex and powerful spells for protection or attack.
Many female wizards in fiction have a strong sense of justice. They use their magic to protect the innocent or fight against evil. For instance, Circe may be a complex character, but she uses her power to defend her territory at times. Another characteristic is that they are usually in a journey of self - discovery. They learn more about their powers and themselves as the story progresses.
Classic realistic fiction books typically have detailed descriptions. In 'Wuthering Heights', the description of the moors is very vivid. Their plots are often based on real - life situations or at least plausible ones. 'Of Mice and Men' has a plot that could easily happen in the context of the Great Depression. Moreover, they can explore human relationships deeply, as 'Anne of Green Gables' does with Anne's relationships with the people around her.
Many of them have complex characters. For example, in 'Moby - Dick', Captain Ahab is a very complex figure driven by his obsession. These books also often have deep themes like love, death, and morality.
These books often depict the power of faith. In 'Ben - Hur: A Tale of the Christ', Judah Ben - Hur's faith is tested and ultimately strengthened through his various experiences. Another characteristic is that they may set their stories in historical or fictional settings related to the time of Jesus or within a Christian - influenced society, which helps to ground the religious concepts within a relatable context.
Often, they have a made - up world. For example, in 'The Lord of the Rings', Middle - earth is a fully - fledged world with its own history, languages, and cultures. Magic also plays a big part. In 'Harry Potter', there are spells and potions. And they usually have unique creatures. Think of the dragons in 'Eragon' or the faeries in 'The Cruel Prince'.
Fantasy fiction books often have magical elements, like spells and mythical creatures. They also usually take place in made-up worlds that are very different from ours.
One characteristic is their ability to predict the future in some ways. 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' was ahead of its time in terms of the idea of exploring the unknown depths of the Earth. Another is their exploration of human nature. In 'Frankenstein', we see the creator's guilt and the monster's search for acceptance, which are very human emotions. They also tend to have memorable characters, such as Ender in 'Ender's Game' who is a complex and relatable character.