One notable type of character is the guide. This person has extensive knowledge of the wilderness and helps others navigate it. There may be the outlaws too, who use the wilderness as a hiding place from the law. And female characters can also be important, like the pioneer women who have to be strong and resourceful in the wilderness, taking care of their families and helping with the survival tasks.
You could have the trappers. They are important characters as they are in the wilderness for economic reasons, like trapping animals for their fur. Then there are the missionaries. They go into the wilderness to spread their religious beliefs among the people there. And of course, there are the lost souls, those who end up in the wilderness by accident or misfortune and have to find their way back to civilization.
There could be a mentor - like figure. In many historical fictions, there is someone who imparts wisdom and guidance. In 'House of Impossible Beauties', this character might be helping the younger characters understand the ways of their world, especially when it comes to the concept of beauty and how to survive in a society with strict norms. Also, there could be a character who is the antagonist, someone who opposes the main characters' goals of achieving a certain kind of beauty or status in the historical context.
Brida is a notable female character. She is strong - willed and has her own beliefs. She is involved in the power struggles and the cultural clashes between the Saxons and the Danes, and her character development throughout the series is quite interesting.
I'm not entirely sure without reading it, but there must be some female protagonists. Maybe there's a young girl who is trying to make her way in the city. There could also be an older woman who serves as a mentor or a source of wisdom for the younger characters.
There are many. For instance, Philippa Gregory is famous for her historical fiction. Her books often offer detailed and engaging portrayals of past eras. Another is Bernard Cornwell, whose works are known for their action and historical accuracy.
In 2024, historical fiction often incorporates modern perspectives and diverse voices to offer fresh takes on the past.
The theme of change is significant. When characters go into the wilderness in historical fiction, they change. Their values might shift as they face different situations. Freedom could be another theme. The wilderness can represent a place of freedom away from the constraints of society. And finally, the theme of danger is omnipresent as the wilderness is full of unforeseen perils.
One example could be 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It offers a powerful and imaginative take on the experiences of African Americans during that time.
Some well-known historical fiction authors include Hilary Mantel and Ken Follett. Their works are highly regarded in the genre.
One notable feature was the increased focus on diverse characters and their experiences within historical settings.
YA historical fiction in 2021 often had strong character development and immersive settings. The stories usually explored lesser-known periods or events to offer fresh perspectives.