How could a sense of realism be preserved in genres like science fiction and fantasy? Of course a science fiction reader might believe that the technology or worlds they read about could happen in principle. With fantasy it is more special because it could exist right now. Both seem to require the reader to make these assumptions in order to maintain a sense of reality – with the exception of those who like the absurd, I think a tolerable reality is necessary for most readers.
That’s a good question! As a spec-fic writer myself, it’s something I’ve thought about a bit.
Basically, two thoughts.
One: genre.
When a reader picks up a fantasy book, they’re ready to believe some absurd things (magic wands, dragons, firebending, etc.). They don’t always care if these things are deeply logical or real. The main thing is that they feel consistent. In sci-fi, readers are less forgiving. They want something that is cool, that is unique, and that makes sense–has some basis in reality.
Two: coherency
when your reader steps into a book, they wanna feel like it’s a real world–events that actually happened somewhere. So I think the key to preserving realism in fantasy is establishing the rules of the world (what’s possible, etc.) early on, and then sticking with it. If all the rules make sense together, and the characters interact as real people would if they were steeped in this world from birth, I think your reader will accept it.
Does that help? I feel like my answer was a little all over the place
That’s such a good answer, Noah. Well done.
The only thing I would add is the realism of human interaction. Regardless of the genre, the universe, the technology, the magic–people still act like people. When we talk about “realism” in those speculative genres, I think that’s a big piece of what we mean. Even though we can’t relate to dragons or laser guns, did the characters still act in a manner consistent with how we understand human nature? The people can still feel “real” even if the universe and circumstances are not realistic.
This is a great answer, thanks!
A long time ago, I wrote a story where all the characters can create whatever they want, but everyone else can also spoil it for them or interfere unpleasantly. So some of them began to yearn for a world with a little more “rigidity” or rules. And then there came the characters from our “ordinary” world who had the ability to limit fantasies, etc. 🙂