Realism in Fantasy: Crafting a Dilemma

Can fantasy fiction be realistic? The very idea seems paradoxical, yet it is a question that often arises when discussing the genre. Fantasy, by its very nature, involves the fantastical and the unreal. However, can we craft a story that is grounded in reality even as it delves into the strange and the wondrous? The answer, of course, is yes—both realistic and unrealistic fantasies present distinct challenges, and each requires a different approach.

Realism in Fantasy

The debate between realistic and unrealistic fantasy is as old as the genre itself. Realistic fantasy often sets its stories in the real world, using the familiar as a backdrop for the fantastic. These narratives explore the intersection of magic and the everyday, where the magic feels as believable as the mundane. Examples include Wizard of Oz or Ursula K. Le Guin's The Wizard of Earthsea.

On the other hand, unrealistic fantasy takes the reader to entirely new, unexplored worlds filled with the magical and the impossible. Characters may be imbued with powers or immersed in societies that don't conform to the real world, such as J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth or J.K. Rowling's Hogwarts.

The Nature of a Fantasy

The essence of fantasy lies in its imaginative construct. We, as readers, suspend our disbelief to accept the fantastical elements for the sake of the story. In this regard, fantasy can be seen as a genre that stretches the limits of what we consider possible.

Disney films often tackle elements of fantasy while catering to a younger, more impressionable audience. Movies like Tangled and Beauty and the Beast blend the magical with relatable human emotions and interactions. However, these adaptations tend to focus on the magical aspects while keeping the human elements grounded in relatable experiences.

Challenges in Writing Realistic and Unrealistic Fantasy

Writing a realistic fantasy presents its own set of challenges. The goal is to create a believable world while still incorporating the fantastic. In this genre, the characters, their relationships, and the plot must feel authentic, even as they navigate magical elements.

For example, consider a realistic fantasy novel where a character discovers magic. The narrative must explain how the character discovers, understands, and uses this magic in a way that feels believable. The rules of magic must be consistent and, ideally, should arise organically from the world-building.

In contrast, writing an unrealistic fantasy demands that the author create an entirely new world from scratch. This involves not only world-building but also creating a coherent and immersive universe. Characters, societies, and, indeed, the very laws of nature must be crafted to fit within the framework of the story.

Establishing Limits

One of the keys to crafting a believable realistic fantasy is establishing limits. This includes defining the rules of the magic, the technology, and the society within the story. These limits create parameters that guide the narrative, making it more relatable. Conversely, in an unrealistic fantasy, the author has more freedom to break these limits, but must ensure that the world still feels cohesive and immersive.

For instance, in a realistic fantasy, a character’s magic may be tied to emotions or physical exhaustion. The magic’s limitations and the effects of using it must be clearly defined. In an unrealistic fantasy, the world may have entirely new magic that can perform impossible feats, but the author must explain how these feats are possible within the story's rules.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between realistic and unrealistic fantasy depends on the author's vision and the story they wish to tell. Both genres offer unique challenges and rewards. Realistic fantasy invites readers to explore familiar themes in a fresh, magical context, while unrealistic fantasy allows for boundless creativity and imaginative exploration.

As you navigate the challenges of crafting a fantasy story, remember that the key to success lies in maintaining the believability of the world while embracing the fantastical elements that define the genre.