Different types of fiction handle time travel rules in distinct ways. In hard science - fiction, time travel rules are usually more complex and try to adhere to scientific principles. There might be rules related to energy requirements, spacetime curvature, and relativity. In contrast, in soft science - fiction or pulp fiction, the time travel rules can be more flexible and used mainly for the sake of creating exciting stories. For instance, a character might be able to time travel just by stepping into a special machine without much explanation of the underlying physics. In horror - related fictions with time travel elements, the time travel rules might be used to introduce elements of dread. For example, a character might be trapped in a time loop where they are doomed to repeat a terrifying event over and over again.
Well, let's start with science - fiction novels. They tend to be more detailed in their time travel rules. They might involve concepts like time dilation, where time passes differently for the time traveler compared to those in the normal timeline. This is often based on Einstein's theories. In superhero comics, which are also a form of fiction, time travel rules can be a bit more loose. Superheroes might be able to time travel using their superpowers, and the rules are more about the powers' limitations. For example, a superhero might be able to time travel but only for a short period or to a specific era. In historical fictions with time travel elements, the time travel rules are often designed to fit the historical context. For example, the time traveler might be sent back in time due to a historical mystery they need to solve, and the rules ensure that they can interact with the historical setting in a believable way.
Some fictions, like 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells, present time travel as a scientific achievement. The rules involve the mechanical operation of the time machine itself. You turn the dials, and you can go forward or backward in time. However, in '12 Monkeys', time travel seems more like a desperate measure in a post - apocalyptic world. The rules here are more about the limitations of the time - travel process, such as not being able to change the past in a way that can prevent the apocalypse. It shows that time has a certain inevitability.
They create conflict. For instance, if there's a rule that changing one small thing in the past can cause a catastrophe in the future, the time traveler has to be very cautious. This adds tension as they navigate through different time periods.
Well, in a magical time zone, it can add an element of mystery. For example, if a character enters a place where time moves slower, they might age more slowly or miss out on events in the 'normal' time. In an inter - galactic time zone, it can create confusion and conflict. Different species might have different understandings of time, leading to misunderstandings in diplomatic or trade relations. In a time - loop time zone, it can build suspense as characters try to break the loop and return to normal time.
There are indeed different rules for different types of novels. In a children's novel, the quotes are often simpler and more straightforward. The language within the quotes is usually easy to understand for the young audience. In contrast, in a literary novel aimed at an adult and more sophisticated readership, the quotes might be more complex and may require a deeper understanding of literary devices. Also, in a self - published novel where the author may not have had extensive editorial guidance, the quoting rules might not be as strictly followed as in a professionally published and edited novel, but the basic principles of accurate representation still apply.
In fiction, one common time travel rule is the 'grandfather paradox'. It basically says that if you go back in time and kill your grandfather before he has your parent, you couldn't exist to go back in time in the first place. Another rule could be that time has a sort of 'elasticity' in some fictions. For example, small changes in the past might not have a huge impact immediately but could lead to big changes over time. Also, some fictions have a fixed timeline, meaning no matter what you do while time traveling, the major events are set in stone and will happen regardless.
Many time travel science fiction novels create rules within their own universes to deal with paradoxes. In 'A Wrinkle in Time', the idea of tessering (a form of time/space travel) has its own set of rules that prevent the characters from creating major paradoxes. The characters can't just go back and change everything willy - nilly. Another approach is seen in '11/22/63' where the universe seems to have a kind of elasticity. When the main character tries to change history, the universe tries to push back and correct itself to avoid a paradox.
Some time travel stories in fiction simply ignore paradoxes. They focus more on the adventure aspect of time travel. For example, in 'Back to the Future', Marty goes back in time and there are some potential paradoxes like seeing his younger mother fall in love with him instead of his father, but the story just moves forward and finds ways to resolve the situation without getting too deep into the paradox.
There are also novels that embrace the paradoxes. They use them as a central plot device to create a mind - bending and complex story. For example, in some stories, a character might go back in time and cause the very event that sent them back in time in the first place, creating a never - ending loop of causality that the reader has to figure out.
According to fiction, one rule could be that time travel might be limited by the laws of physics within the fictional universe. For example, in some science - fiction stories, you need a huge amount of energy to open a time - travel gateway. Another rule is that time travelers may experience time dilation. This means that while they might spend a short time in the time - travel process, a lot of time could have passed in the normal world. Also, there's often the idea that time travel can be dangerous. You might get stuck in a different time period, or worse, create a paradox that could destroy the fabric of the universe as the story sometimes goes.
One common rule is the 'butterfly effect'. In many fictional time travel stories, a small change in the past can cause huge, unforeseen consequences in the future. For example, in 'Back to the Future', Marty McFly accidentally preventing his parents from getting together nearly erased his own existence.