In 'Looper', the rules are centered around the idea of closing loops. Time travelers from the future send back people to be killed in the past by 'loopers'. If a looper fails to kill his target from the future (who is actually his future self), it creates a lot of chaos. So, the rules here are about maintaining the integrity of these time - travel - related assassinations. Another example is 'Terminator'. The rules involve the idea that machines can travel through time to change the future. The Skynet sends Terminators back in time to kill John Connor to prevent the human resistance in the future. It shows that time travel can be a weapon in a technological war between humans and machines.
Some fictions, like 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells, present time travel as a scientific achievement. The rules involve the mechanical operation of the time machine itself. You turn the dials, and you can go forward or backward in time. However, in '12 Monkeys', time travel seems more like a desperate measure in a post - apocalyptic world. The rules here are more about the limitations of the time - travel process, such as not being able to change the past in a way that can prevent the apocalypse. It shows that time has a certain inevitability.
Different types of fiction handle time travel rules in distinct ways. In hard science - fiction, time travel rules are usually more complex and try to adhere to scientific principles. There might be rules related to energy requirements, spacetime curvature, and relativity. In contrast, in soft science - fiction or pulp fiction, the time travel rules can be more flexible and used mainly for the sake of creating exciting stories. For instance, a character might be able to time travel just by stepping into a special machine without much explanation of the underlying physics. In horror - related fictions with time travel elements, the time travel rules might be used to introduce elements of dread. For example, a character might be trapped in a time loop where they are doomed to repeat a terrifying event over and over again.
In science - fiction fan fictions, the best sex might be depicted with the help of futuristic or alien elements. Maybe there are special powers or technologies that enhance the sexual experience for the characters. This can create a very unique and different kind of portrayal compared to more traditional fan fictions.
In romance travel novels, different cultures are portrayed in various ways. Take a novel set in Morocco. The author might describe the bustling souks, the unique architecture, and the traditional music. The love story could develop as the characters explore these cultural elements together. The main characters might have different cultural backgrounds, and their relationship could be a way to bridge the gap between their cultures. They could learn about each other's values, traditions, and ways of life. For instance, in a story set in India, the caste system and the rich religious traditions could play a role in the relationship, either as a hindrance or as something that enriches the bond between the lovers.
They create conflict. For instance, if there's a rule that changing one small thing in the past can cause a catastrophe in the future, the time traveler has to be very cautious. This adds tension as they navigate through different time periods.
Symbolism also plays a role. A small, enclosed space like a closet or a dark alley that the girl character often finds herself in could symbolize her feeling of being trapped by her anxiety. And the weather in the story, like constant rain or storms, might be used to mirror her internal emotional chaos.
There are writers who would make it a very romantic and slow - burn type of encounter. They would build up the tension between Hermione and Ron over many chapters, with lingering glances and small touches. Then, when it finally happens, it would be a very passionate and emotional moment filled with love and longing.
In fiction, one common time travel rule is the 'grandfather paradox'. It basically says that if you go back in time and kill your grandfather before he has your parent, you couldn't exist to go back in time in the first place. Another rule could be that time has a sort of 'elasticity' in some fictions. For example, small changes in the past might not have a huge impact immediately but could lead to big changes over time. Also, some fictions have a fixed timeline, meaning no matter what you do while time traveling, the major events are set in stone and will happen regardless.
In 'Star Wars', the Rebel Alliance justifies their war against the Galactic Empire as a fight for freedom and democracy. The Empire is shown as tyrannical, with its Death Stars and stormtroopers oppressing the galaxy. In contrast, the Empire might see the Rebels as terrorists disrupting their 'order'. Another example is 'Game of Thrones'. Different houses go to war for various reasons. The Starks, for instance, often fight to defend their honor and family, like when Ned Stark was wrongfully executed. The Lannisters, on the other hand, are sometimes driven by power and the desire to hold onto the Iron Throne.
In Greek culture, goddesses like Hera have origin stories that are linked to the power structure of the gods. Hera is the queen of the gods, and her origin is tied to Zeus and her role in the divine hierarchy. In Egyptian culture, Isis has an origin story that emphasizes her power of magic and her role as a mother figure. She is often depicted as using her magic to protect and resurrect her husband Osiris.
They often show an alternate view. For example, in some novels, a character from the present with modern military knowledge might change the outcome of a battle. This can make the readers see historical events in a new light.