These novels usually have a strong focus on time. Time is either a force that has been misused or a precious commodity that needs to be regained. In 'Midnight's Children', Saleem Sinai's life is intertwined with the history of India. As he realizes how much time has passed and how things have changed, he has a longing to make up for the lost time, whether it be with family or his own identity.
Another aspect is the theme of redemption. Characters strive to right the wrongs of the past. In 'Les Misérables', Jean Valjean spends his life trying to make up for the time he lost as a criminal. He tries to be a better person, to give back to society, and to atone for his past sins, which is a form of making up for lost time in a moral and spiritual sense.
One great 'making up lost time novel' could be 'The Great Gatsby'. It's a classic that delves into themes of lost time, regret, and the pursuit of the past through the eyes of the narrator, Nick. The opulent parties and the mysterious Jay Gatsby's attempts to recapture a lost love are all elements that make it a prime example.
'The Time Traveler's Wife' can also be considered. Henry, the time traveler, often misses important moments in his and Clare's relationship due to his involuntary time - traveling. They are constantly trying to make up for the lost time, and the novel is a unique exploration of love across time.
They can make readers more reflective. When reading about characters trying to make up for lost time, it often makes the reader think about their own past and any missed opportunities. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', readers might consider their own unfulfilled dreams or lost loves.
One interesting plot could be Naruto going back in time to his younger self and using his knowledge to prevent some of the tragedies that happened. For example, he could stop Sasuke from leaving the village earlier. Another plot might involve Naruto training harder in the past to become even stronger faster, thus changing the course of some battles. He could also use his future knowledge to befriend characters he didn't get to know well before, like some of the minor ninja from other villages, which could lead to different alliances in the future.
Naruto himself is of course essential as the main character. Sasuke would also be great as he has a complex relationship with Naruto and there's a lot of room for development in terms of making up for lost time in their friendship or rivalry. Kakashi could be included as he has a lot of knowledge and experience to offer Naruto in this new time - traveling scenario. And Jiraiya should be in it too, as he was Naruto's mentor and their relationship could be further explored in the context of making up for lost time, like Naruto learning more from Jiraiya earlier.
One characteristic could be a sense of mystery. 'Black' can often imply the unknown, and 'lost' adds to that sense of something being hidden or not easily found. So these novels might have convoluted plots that keep the reader guessing.
One characteristic is the presence of unknown species. These novels introduce creatures that are either extinct in the real world or completely fictional. Another aspect is the sense of exploration. The protagonists embark on a journey to these lost worlds, facing various challenges along the way. It's like a window into another realm that defies modern understanding.
Contemporary lost world novels typically feature unique ecosystems. They might describe strange animals and plants that exist only in these fictional lost worlds. They also tend to have a touch of mystery. The origin and secrets of these lost worlds are slowly uncovered as the story progresses. Moreover, there is usually a conflict, whether it's between the characters and the environment or among the characters themselves over the resources or knowledge of the lost world.
One important consideration is the origin and cultural background. For example, if you want a French - sounding name, you might use names like 'Juliette' or 'Luc'. Also, the meaning of the name can play a role. A name that means 'brave' might be suitable for a heroic character. And the phonetics matter too. A name that rolls off the tongue easily makes it more memorable for readers.
One old word for making up a story could be 'fabrication'.