What are the characteristics of Chinese completed novels?

These novels often use a lot of traditional Chinese literary devices. For instance, in 'Journey to the West', there are many allegories and symbolic elements. They can also be a mirror of the society at that time. 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' shows the political chaos and the importance of strategy in that historical period. The language in these novels is also very rich, ranging from elegant classical Chinese to more colloquial expressions, which enriches the reading experience.

One characteristic is rich world - building. For example, in many novels, they create a complex system of magic, different races, and unique geographical locations. Another is the character development. The protagonists usually start from a weak state and gradually become extremely powerful through their own efforts and adventures. And often there are epic storylines that involve battles between good and evil, and the pursuit of ultimate power or truth.

Some Chinese novels like 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio' are known for their unique supernatural elements. They combine the cultural beliefs, superstitions, and folklores of China. These stories often have a moral or a lesson at the end, teaching people about good and bad, right and wrong.

Take 'Journey to the West' for example. One of its characteristics is the vivid description of various magical creatures and the fantasy world. The Monkey King is a very iconic character with his superpowers and rebellious spirit. In 'Dream of the Red Chamber', the detailed portrayal of family relationships and the psychological states of the characters is a key characteristic. It shows the complex and hierarchical family structure in old China.

One characteristic is their long - form storytelling. They often have complex plots that span hundreds of chapters, allowing for in - depth character development. For example, in 'A Record of Mortal's Cultivation to Immortality', we can see the protagonist gradually change from a naive boy to a sophisticated cultivator over the course of the story.

Well, one characteristic is the detailed historical settings. These novels often accurately portray the time period, like the architecture, clothing, and social hierarchies. For example, in 'A Dream of Red Mansions', you can see the grandeur of a noble family's mansion and the complex rules of propriety. Another is the complex relationships. Love is often intertwined with family, power, and social status. In 'The Legend of Zhen Huan', the heroine has to navigate through various power - based relationships while dealing with her own feelings. Also, they usually have strong cultural elements, such as traditional Chinese values like loyalty, filial piety, and female virtues.

Take 'Water Margin' for example. One characteristic is its vivid portrayal of a group of outlaws. These characters each have their own distinct personalities, some are bold and straightforward, and they form a unique community in the story.

Many Chinese novels in the list have complex plots. For example, 'Dream of the Red Chamber' has a very intricate web of relationships and family politics. They also often have deep cultural roots. 'Journey to the West' is full of Buddhist and Taoist elements.

One characteristic is their long - standing traditions. Chinese novels have a long history of development. They can be very imaginative, like in 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio' where there are all kinds of supernatural beings and events. Moreover, Chinese novels usually carry moral lessons. For instance, 'Water Margin' shows the consequences of social injustice and the importance of loyalty among the heroes.

Chinese novels usually have a strong sense of history. They are either set in specific historical periods, like 'Journey to the West' which has elements related to Buddhism's spread in ancient China. And they also have a variety of themes. There are novels about love like 'Lotus Lantern', and novels about social problems such as 'The Scholars'. The language used can also be very poetic and vivid, adding to the overall charm of the novels.