In traditional fantasy, there is usually a clear - cut moral framework. Good is good, and evil is evil. However, in dark fantasy, this is not the case. For example, in traditional fantasy, the knight in shining armor will always do the right thing. But in dark fantasy, a character who seems to be a hero might be involved in some underhanded deeds. The endings in traditional fantasy are often more positive, with the good guys winning and restoring order. Dark fantasy endings can be much more ambiguous. The hero might not succeed, or the victory might come at a great cost. Moreover, the use of magic in dark fantasy can be more sinister compared to the more benevolent magic in traditional fantasy.
Contemporary fantasy stories often take place in modern settings. For example, they might be set in a big city like New York or London, while traditional fantasy is usually set in a medieval - like or completely fictional world. Also, contemporary fantasy may incorporate modern technology. So, instead of using only magic swords, characters might use cell phones or computers in addition to their magical abilities.
Forced fantasy stories often involve characters being compelled into the fantastical situation. In traditional fantasy, the hero usually chooses the adventure. For example, in a forced fantasy like 'The Hunger Games', Katniss is forced into the arena. But in a traditional fantasy like 'The Lord of the Rings', Frodo chooses to take the ring to Mordor.
Modern day fantasy stories often incorporate modern technology and settings. For example, in 'The Dresden Files', the main character is a wizard who lives in modern Chicago and uses things like his cell phone while also casting spells. Traditional fantasy is usually set in a more medieval - like world with no modern tech.
In traditional fantasy novels, there is usually a clear sense of hope and a more straightforward narrative arc towards a positive outcome. However, grim dark fantasy novels tend to subvert these expectations. In grim dark, such as in 'The First Law' trilogy, the world is a cruel place and victory is often pyrrhic. The characters in traditional fantasy are often more archetypal heroes or villains, while in grim dark they are complex individuals with their own motives and flaws that are not always easily definable. The themes in grim dark are also often more about the harshness of life, power struggles, and the corrupting influence of power, rather than the more idealized themes in traditional fantasy.
Dark fantasy web novels often have a darker, more gritty tone compared to traditional fantasy novels. For example, they may explore more complex and often amoral themes. In traditional fantasy, heroes are usually more clearly defined as good, but in dark fantasy web novels, characters might be morally grey. Also, web novels can update more frequently, allowing for more rapid development of the dark and complex storylines.
Modern fantasy animal stories often incorporate more complex magic systems. For example, in 'The Chronicles of Narnia', there are spells and magical objects that are part of the story's fabric. Traditional animal stories are usually more about the animals' natural behaviors. Also, modern ones might have more of a focus on character development across a series. Like in 'Warriors', the cat characters grow and change over multiple books. Traditional animal stories tend to be more self - contained.
Cuckold fantasy sex stories involve non - traditional sexual relationships, while traditional love stories usually focus on monogamous and romantic relationships.
Well, in urban fantasy romance stories, there's a much broader scope for the plot compared to traditional romance. In traditional romance, the focus is mainly on the relationship between two people - their meet - cute, their misunderstandings, and their journey to love. However, in urban fantasy romance, there are often complex world - building elements. For instance, in a story about a fae and a human falling in love, we also have to learn about the fae realm, its rules, and how it intersects with the human world. This adds a whole new layer of depth and complexity that you don't typically find in traditional romance. Also, the stakes in urban fantasy romance can be much higher. It could be about saving the entire magical world or preventing a supernatural apocalypse, while in traditional romance, the stakes are usually centered around the relationship itself.
Modern fantasy demon stories often incorporate modern settings like big cities, technology, etc. In contrast, traditional demon stories were usually set in more archaic or mythological settings. For example, in a modern story, a demon might possess a computer system, while in a traditional one, it would be more likely to possess a person in a small village.
Dark romance love stories often involve more complex and troubled emotions. In traditional love stories, it's mostly about pure love and happy endings. But in dark romance, there can be elements like obsession, as in 'Gone Girl'. The characters may have a love - hate relationship.