Look for a setting that's not so great. If it's a world full of problems like pollution everywhere or people being really poor and controlled, it might be a dystopia. And if the main characters are young people trying to change things, that's a sign too.
You can identify the characteristics by observing the themes. Themes like loss of freedom, over - control, and a sense of impending doom are common in ya dystopian novels. The young characters in these novels are often living in a world where they have to follow strict rules that limit their creativity and individuality. There's also often a sense of a broken society. Social relationships are strained, and there's a lack of trust. The young heroes or heroines are then the ones who try to break through these barriers and bring about change.
One way to identify the characteristics is to pay attention to the power structure. In a ya dystopian novel, there's usually an unfair power structure where the young characters are at a disadvantage. For example, they might not have the right to vote or make decisions. Also, the world is often in a state of decay. Buildings might be falling apart, and there's a lack of basic resources. And the young protagonists usually have some kind of special quality or idea that makes them stand out and start the fight against the bad situation.
To easily identify the characteristics of a dystopian novel, first pay attention to the power structure. If there is a single, all - powerful entity controlling everything, it's a giveaway. Second, check for a lack of basic human rights. In dystopias, things like freedom of choice, privacy, and equality are often severely restricted. Third, look at the overall mood of the story. If it's gloomy, hopeless, and full of a sense of impending doom, it's likely a dystopian novel.
Look for a society that is clearly not ideal. If there are restrictions on basic freedoms like freedom of speech or movement, it could be a sign of a dystopian component. Also, if there is a sense of hopelessness among the characters, it might indicate a dystopian setting. For example, in dystopian novels, people often seem trapped in their situations with no easy way out.
Look for a controlling authority. If there's a government or power that has extreme control over people's lives, it's a sign. Also, notice if the environment is in a state of decay or disaster. That's a typical dystopian element.
One way is to check for the presence of a broken social structure. If there are extreme differences between the rich and the poor, or if certain groups are marginalized, it could be a dystopian novel. Also, if technology is being misused to control people rather than improve their lives, like in some novels where people are monitored constantly through advanced technology, that's a feature of a dystopian novel.
Well, look for a setting that is bleak and often post - apocalyptic. This sets the mood. In many dystopian novels, the world has been through some kind of disaster, like in 'The Road' where the world is a desolate place after an unnamed catastrophe.
One way is to check for a world that has a sense of gloom and doom. There are often limited resources or extreme social hierarchies. In a dystopian novel, the characters' lives are often dictated by the system. For example, in 'Divergent', society is divided into factions which limit individual growth and freedom. The main character Tris then challenges this system.
One way to identify elements of dystopian fiction is by looking for a sense of oppression. If the characters in a story are constantly under the thumb of a powerful and controlling force, it's likely a dystopian element. For instance, in many dystopian novels, there are secret police or surveillance systems that keep the populace in check.
Look for a society that is clearly in a bad state. If there are things like extreme poverty, lack of basic rights, or over - controlling governments, it might be dystopian. For instance, in many dystopian novels, people are not allowed to freely express themselves.
Typical characteristics include a dark and oppressive setting. For example, in 'The Hunger Games', the Capitol controls the districts harshly. There's often a sense of restricted freedom for the young protagonists. Also, there's a struggle against a powerful and unjust system, like the fight against the totalitarian regime in many such novels.
Look for a story set in the past. If it's about the Middle Ages or the Victorian era, it's likely a historical novel. Also, check for real historical events or figures in the plot. If it mentions Napoleon or the Industrial Revolution, that's a sign. And see if the author tries to recreate the feel of the historical period through descriptions of the setting.