Understanding the concept of ‘fictional’ is essential not only for avid readers and writers but also for anyone delving into any form of art, be it literature, cinema, theatre, or painting. ‘Fictional’ is an adjective that pertains to something invented or imagined, something that is not factual or real. It derives from the noun ‘fiction,’ which refers to literature based on imaginative creation rather than factual events.
Exploring the Concept of Fictional
The term ‘fiction’ comes from the Latin word ‘fictio,’ which means ‘a making or fashioning.’ Thus, whenever we talk about something being ‘fictional,’ it means that the entity – be it a character, event or a place – is a product of someone’s imagination.
The term ‘fictional’ is primarily used in the context of literature, referring to books, stories, and narratives that weave tales about characters and events that do not exist in real life. However, it has broader applications beyond the world of literature, extending into art, drama, films, games, and even theoretical scenarios in academic and scientific explorations.
Fictional Characters and Settings
A fictional character is one that has been invented by the author. These characters may be based on real people to some extent, but they do not correspond to an actual person in reality. For instance, Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, or Batman are fictional characters widely recognized in popular culture.
Similarly, a fictional setting refers to the location or backdrop of the events in a story that are imaginary and do not represent any real-world location. An excellent example of a fictional setting would be the magical land of Narnia from C.S. Lewis’s book series or the mythical city of Wakanda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Fictions versus Facts
While ‘fictional’ denotes something that is invented or imagined, it does not necessarily mean it is entirely removed from reality. Fiction often mimics or distorts reality, offering a reflection on actual societal conditions, human behaviour, or historical settings. It isn’t about escapism alone, but also a tool for authors to comment on or critique the real world.
However, it is important to distinguish between facts and fiction. Facts are statements that can be empirically verified or objectively observed. In contrast, fiction is an imaginative interpretation of reality, where the truth can be manipulated, exaggerated, or completely subverted.
In conclusion, ‘fictional’ describes something that originated from an individual’s creative imagination, a world formed from the figments of a mind’s creation. Despite their non-reality, fictional characters, events, or places have a profound influence on our consciousness, shaping our perceptions of the world and the human condition.