Science fiction has a lot of unique worlds, future ideas, and complex themes, which may often be overwhelming.
What then are the essential components for the genre?
Continue reading to discover the five essential components of science fiction.
The Science Fiction Trifecta
Let's examine more closely at the five traits of science fiction that all authors should be aware of.
1. "How Could It Be?"
An intriguing hypothetical question known as "what if" is explored in every great science fiction book.
Here are a few "what if" scenarios you might consider:
What if a hazardous creature was developed by scientists? (Jurassic Park, Frankenstein, Splice, etc.)
Imagine an alien landing on Earth. (For instance, E.T., Contact, Story of Your Life)
What if an AI and a human fell in love? (For example, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Her, Ex Machina)
Numerous books and films have addressed each of these issues, but each author provides a different response.
As long as your response is unique, your "what if" question doesn't have to be something that has never been considered before.
2. An Unknown Environment
Writing a science fiction narrative has an interesting side to it called world building. Your science fiction books can take place in a different universe in terms of time or space, or both.
If you would like to select a different time period, you can start with a genuine location on Earth, like Beijing, Paris, or Seattle, and then envision what that location would look like in a different historical period or fictitious future.
If you want to go somewhere else, you may go to a planet in space that has been terraformed. Imagine a floating metropolis with flying automobiles and other future ideas. or perhaps a cyberspace virtual world where anything is possible.
Stories with enduring settings are what people enjoy reading, and science fiction is a fantastic genre for creating fascinating fictional worlds.
3. Creative Technological
A lot of science fiction novels contain futuristic technology that readers have never seen before.
You may wish to push the boundaries of current advanced technology if you're writing science fiction set in the near future, alternate history, or the present day.
For instance, Black Mirror, a television program, frequently explores social media in novel ways.
Fiction based in otherworldly settings may feature even more fantastical technology. A sentient rocket ship for space travel, a time machine that can transport people back in time, or a high-energy weapon for interplanetary combat are a few examples of possible plot devices for your story.
Keeping up with real-world scientific advancements will help you root your plot in reality and lend credibility to your creations.
4. Characters That Are Relatable
Developing three-dimensional, relatable characters is essential to any successful science fiction narrative, not merely one of its hallmarks.
But science fiction is different because characters don't always have to be human. A lot of science fiction heroes are robots, aliens, or other strange entities.
Making the reader able to relate to the characters is crucial. Give the robot a daughter she adores; give the alien a dull office job; and give the monster a poor hair day.
You will be able to draw the reader into the narrative if you create relatable characters.
5. Humanity-Related Themes
A well-written science fiction narrative can illuminate the essence of humanity.
Science fiction literature is full of subgenres that are perfect for delving into various issues.
The evil aspect of human nature and the lengths people would go to in order to survive are depicted in apocalyptic tales like The Stand.
Stories about aliens, like those in Star Wars, demonstrate a fear of the "other" and a deeper understanding of humanity's role in the cosmos.
Brave New World and other dystopian tales highlight the value of individual freedom and the perils of centralized governance.
Try varying the components in your own narrative and observe what themes come through.
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