Thieves guilds usually have a network of informants. This helps them know about valuable targets, security details, etc. They also have to deal with rival guilds or other powerful entities in the city. In some novels, they may have a tenuous relationship with the local authorities. Sometimes they pay bribes to stay in business, and other times they are in direct conflict. In 'The Night Angel Trilogy', the thieves' underworld is constantly in flux as different powers vie for control.
In guild fantasy novels, guilds often function as a sort of organized group. They have rules and hierarchies. For example, in some novels, there are guild masters who oversee the activities of the members. Guilds can also be places where characters learn specific skills, like magic or combat techniques.
Horror in novels functions by creating a sense of unease and fear. Fantasy functions by building imaginative worlds. Comedy functions by making readers laugh.
Pseudonyms function as a device to distinguish characters. They give each character a unique label that helps the reader follow the story. For example, in a mystery - themed visual novel, different suspects might have pseudonyms that are gradually revealed to be related to their true identities.
Articles in English novels function to distinguish between known and unknown elements. 'The' is for the known. For example, 'The old house on the hill' implies a particular house the reader should be aware of. 'A' or 'an' is for the new or general. 'A girl with a red dress' presents a girl not yet fully defined. It helps the reader to categorize and understand the elements in the story better.
Secrets function in multiple ways in British novels. They can be a source of conflict. In 'Pride and Prejudice', Darcy's initial secrecy about his feelings for Elizabeth causes misunderstandings between them. Moreover, secrets can add an element of realism as in real life people also have secrets. In 'Vanity Fair', Becky Sharp has numerous secrets about her past and her manipulations, which reflect the duplicity that can exist in society.
Well, modern weapons in fantasy world fiction can work in various ways. Some might be enhanced by magic. Like a rifle that shoots bullets with magical properties. They can also be a source of mystery. Maybe the characters in the fantasy world don't understand how they work at first. And they could be used to create unique combat strategies that combine modern warfare tactics with the magical elements of the fantasy world.
Probes in Star Trek novels function in various ways. Some are used for scientific research. For example, they can be sent to study new planets, measure environmental factors like radiation levels or atmospheric composition. They send back data to the starships or starbases for analysis.
In modern novels, unreliable narrators often create mystery. They might distort the truth due to their own biases or mental states. For example, in 'Lolita' by Nabokov, Humbert Humbert is an unreliable narrator. His perverse love for Lolita makes his account of events suspect. We can't fully trust his version of the story, which adds a layer of complexity to the novel.
In 'The Haunting of Hill House', the haunted house seems to have a will of its own. It preys on the fears and insecurities of the people who enter it. For example, Eleanor's loneliness and longing for a place to belong are exploited, and the house uses her own mind against her to create terrifying illusions. In 'Dracula', the castle functions as a lair for the vampire. It's a place of darkness and danger, and the very architecture, with its high towers and hidden passages, helps Dracula in his evil deeds.
Literary elements in graphic novels play important roles. The characters are often visually distinct, which helps in quick identification and connection. The plot can be told through a combination of images and text, allowing for a more immersive experience. The setting is visualized, making it more vivid for the reader. The theme is communicated through the overall story, and elements like symbolism and point of view add layers of interpretation.