The purposes include building the world - view. Flashbacks can take readers to important historical events in the fantasy world, like how a certain magic system was created. They also help in character development. By looking at a character's past, we can understand their personality better.
One common purpose is to explain character motivation. Flashbacks can show why a character acts in a certain way.
One common type is the character - centric flashback. It focuses on a character's past, such as their training days as a young wizard. Another is the historical flashback that delves into the history of the fantasy world, like a long - ago war between different magical races.
One common purpose is to quickly move the story along. If characters need to be in a far - off place immediately, teleportation gets them there without the need for long travel sequences. For example, in 'Doctor Who', the TARDIS can teleport, allowing the Doctor to reach different planets and times quickly.
Flashbacks in fantasy fiction are often used to provide backstory. For example, they can show how a character got their special powers or why they have a particular grudge. This helps to make the characters more complex and the world - building more immersive.
Entertainment. Crime fiction offers an escape into a world of mystery and intrigue.
A purpose is to provide a different perspective. By creating different races, cultures, and worlds in fantasy, it makes readers think about how things could be different. For instance, in Ursula K. Le Guin's 'Earthsea' series, the different islands and their unique magic systems make us consider alternative ways of living and understanding the world.
One common element is a sense of dread. Flashbacks often show something that was terrifying in the past, like a murder scene.
One common type is the character - centered flashback. This focuses on a character's personal memories, like their first love or a time they faced a great challenge. Another type is the historical flashback, which gives information about the world's past in the light novel's setting.
There are the episodic flashbacks. These are more like a series of short memories that come back to the character. For example, in a short story about a war veteran, episodic flashbacks might show different battles or moments of camaraderie during the war. And then there's the extended flashback, which is like a mini - story within the main short story. It can take up a significant portion of the narrative and really delve deep into a past event.
To handle flashbacks effectively, you need to make sure they have a clear purpose. They should provide crucial background info or deepen the character's development. Also, the transition to and from the flashback should be smooth to avoid confusing the reader.
One purpose of literary fiction is to explore the human condition. It delves into the complex emotions, thoughts, and experiences of characters, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Another purpose is to provide aesthetic pleasure through beautiful language, vivid descriptions, and unique narrative styles. It can also serve as a form of social commentary, critiquing or highlighting aspects of society such as inequality, power structures, or cultural norms.