One characteristic is the exploration of social contracts. They often show how characters abide by or break the unwritten rules of society. For example, in many Urdu novels, characters' actions are judged based on the prevailing social norms which are like contracts.
Trust is a crucial theme. Since the marriage is based on a contract, there is often an initial lack of trust between the two parties. As the story unfolds, building trust becomes a major part of the narrative. The characters have to learn to trust each other not only in terms of fulfilling the contract but also in matters of the heart. This theme is explored through various incidents in the novel, such as when one character has to make a decision that could either break or strengthen the trust in the relationship.
These novels usually show a transformation of the relationship. It starts off as a rather cold and business - like contract but then transforms into a passionate and loving bond. The setting in Urdu novels is often very detailed, whether it's a big family house or a small village. This setting plays a role in the development of the contract - based marriage relationship. Also, cultural values and traditions are deeply intertwined in the story, which affects how the characters approach their contract marriage and the subsequent romance.
One well - known contract - based Urdu novel is 'Aag Ka Darya' by Qurratulain Hyder. It weaves a complex narrative around different historical periods and events, which can be seen as a kind of 'contract' with the past and the present in terms of storytelling.
Another one might be 'Shart - e - Zindagi'. This novel explores the different aspects of a contract - based marriage. It portrays the challenges faced by the couple who enter into this kind of marriage, including dealing with family expectations, personal feelings, and the evolving nature of their relationship. The story is filled with emotional turmoil and growth of the characters as they struggle with the terms of their contract.
Another great one is 'Dil-e-Nadaan'. This novel explores the concept of a contract marriage where the protagonists initially have different motives. As the story progresses, they discover deeper feelings for each other. The Urdu language used in it is very rich, making the romantic moments even more intense.
These novels tend to have characters that are deeply rooted in the village ethos. The protagonists are often simple villagers with their own dreams, hopes, and problems. They might be farmers, artisans, or village elders. The language used is also characteristic, often incorporating local dialects and idioms of the village areas where the story is set. This gives the novels an authentic feel and makes the readers feel closer to the village life described in the books.
They often feature young characters. Since universities are places full of young people, the protagonists are usually students or young faculty members. For example, in many such novels, the main characters are dealing with issues like exams, campus romances, and finding their place in the academic world.
They often have rich storylines. Since they are based on novels, the plots are usually well - developed and have depth. For example, in 'Humsafar', the story unfolds gradually, showing the different aspects of the characters' personalities and their relationships over time.
Spy based Urdu novels often have complex plots. They involve a lot of mystery, like the identity of the real villains or the true purpose behind certain events. For example, in many such novels, the spy is constantly trying to uncover a conspiracy.