Well, they often had a sense of wonder about new technologies. For example, they might explore the idea of steam - powered machines in really imaginative ways. Also, many of them had a moral or social message, like criticizing the class differences in Victorian society.
They often have complex mysteries. For example, in Sherlock Holmes stories, there are intricate plots full of twists and turns. The settings are usually in the Victorian era's cities like London, with its dark alleys and foggy streets adding to the mysterious atmosphere.
One characteristic is the detailed portrayal of Victorian society. These novels often show the strict social classes, from the poor working class to the wealthy aristocracy. For example, in 'Great Expectations', we see Pip's attempts to rise through the social ranks. Another is the use of complex language. Victorian writers had a rich vocabulary and elaborate writing styles. Also, many of these novels deal with moral and ethical issues, like in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' where the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle are explored.
They often have complex moral themes. For example, many novels explore the conflict between social propriety and individual desires. Dickens' works like 'Great Expectations' show how characters struggle with the expectations of society and their own dreams.
Victorian fiction novels usually feature elaborate language. The authors were highly literate and used a rich vocabulary. This was partly to show off their own erudition and also to match the more formal and refined tastes of the time. The novels also often deal with family and marriage. In these stories, marriage is not just a union of two people but also has implications for social status and family wealth, as can be seen in many of Jane Austen's works which were also influential during the Victorian era in terms of themes related to family and marriage.
Wilkie Collins is also well - known. His novel 'The Moonstone' is considered one of the first and best detective novels in the Victorian era. It has a complex plot with multiple narrators and a great deal of mystery.
Charles Dickens is one of the most well - known. His works like 'David Copperfield', 'A Tale of Two Cities', and 'Oliver Twist' are masterpieces. Another is Charlotte Bronte, famous for 'Jane Eyre', which explored themes of love, independence, and the position of women. Then there's Emily Bronte, author of 'Wuthering Heights', a dark and passionate novel about love and revenge set in the moors. Thomas Hardy is also a significant Victorian novelist, known for his works that often had a sense of fatalism, such as 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.
One notable feature is the complex social commentary. Victorian novels often depicted the strict social hierarchies, class differences, and moral values of the time. For example, in Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations', we see Pip's struggle with his social status and the expectations placed on him due to his class. Another feature is the detailed character development. Writers would painstakingly create multi - dimensional characters that readers could empathize with. Victorian novels also had elaborate plots, often with multiple sub - plots that wove together to create a rich tapestry of the era's life and values.
Charles Dickens is a very well - known one. His works such as 'Oliver Twist' and 'A Tale of Two Cities' are widely read. His stories often focus on the plight of the poor and the social injustices of the time.
Thomas Hardy is also a significant Victorian novelist. His works such as 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' and 'Jude the Obscure' are known for their exploration of rural life and the harshness of Victorian society. Charlotte Bronte is famous too. Her 'Jane Eyre' is a classic Victorian novel that tells a story of love, independence and self - discovery.