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.
Most of these novels are long - form storytelling. They can span hundreds of chapters, which allows for in - depth exploration of the story world and characters. There is often a focus on the hero's journey, where the main character faces trials and tribulations. They also tend to have a large cast of characters, each with their own backstories and motives. And the settings can range from ancient Chinese - inspired landscapes to completely otherworldly and fantastical realms.
Completed fantasy Chinese novels often have a strong sense of cultural heritage. They may draw on traditional Chinese mythology, folklore, and philosophy. This gives the novels a unique flavor compared to Western fantasy. Also, the power systems in these novels can be very diverse, like Qi cultivation in some novels, or the use of magic arrays. And the relationships between characters are complex, including friendship, love, and rivalry, which add more depth to the stories.
One characteristic is their rich cultural connotations. They often reflect traditional Chinese values, such as family values in 'Dream of the Red Chamber'. Another is the complex character portrayals. For example, in 'Journey to the West', each character has distinct personalities. Also, they usually have a long - standing historical and social background as their foundation.
Completed romantic Chinese novels often have a strong sense of destiny. For example, in 'A Dream of Red Mansions', the fates of the characters seem to be pre - determined, and their romantic relationships are also affected by this. Another characteristic is the detailed description of emotions. Authors use beautiful language to express the subtleties of love, like in 'Romance of the Western Chamber'.
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.
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.
One characteristic is the presence of diverse characters. In 'A Song of Ice and Fire', there are a large number of characters from different backgrounds and with different motives. Another aspect is the exploration of themes. In 'His Dark Materials', themes like free will, religion, and the nature of the soul are explored. Completed fantasy novels also often build a sense of wonder. In 'The Chronicles of Narnia', the idea of a magical world behind a wardrobe is full of wonder. They usually tie up loose ends in the end, unlike some ongoing series which may leave things unresolved.
Chinese fantasy novels typically feature strong family and clan elements. Family ties can be a source of support or conflict for the characters. The concept of karma and reincarnation sometimes plays a role too. Moreover, the descriptions of magic items and elixirs are very detailed, which add more mystery and allure to the stories. These novels can also be very long - form, allowing for in - depth exploration of the characters and the world.
Many fantasy Chinese novels are centered around the concept of cultivation or the pursuit of immortality. This is a common theme that drives the plot forward. They also tend to have a large number of characters, each with their own backstories and abilities. In 'Journey to the West', for instance, there are the four main characters with distinct personalities and powers, and they encounter a vast array of other beings during their journey. Moreover, these novels usually incorporate elements of Chinese mythology and folklore, which gives them a unique cultural flavor.
One characteristic is the complex system of cultivation. In many Chinese fantasy novels, characters strive to cultivate their spiritual power or martial arts skills through different methods like meditating, taking elixirs, etc. Moreover, the settings are often grand, with different realms such as the mortal world, the immortal world, and the underworld. Chinese fantasy novels also tend to emphasize moral values. Good characters are rewarded and bad ones are punished in the end, which reflects the traditional Chinese moral concepts.