What the three asterisks found at the end of some passages in novels used for?

Question

I have seen these same three asterisks in many novels over the years and have no idea why. I don't see a pattern of usage.

Answer 1

the asteriks are used to indicate the close of one scene and the beginning of another scene. that way, when you're reading, it doesn't just jump into a completely different scene or another character's point of view without some sort of mark.

Answer 2

Its used a a scene break - to show that the paragraph following will be about something different; also to denote a passage of time. Think of it as the same as a fade out in the movies.

Answer 3

Like Another Nickname said, check the back of the book for footnotes. That's usually the case.

Answer 4

those i think of are maximum suitable is a sparkling line on the top of the paragraph then on the subsequent line, variety 3 asterisks, separated by an area between each and each. center that on the line, then yet another sparkling line. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... * * * xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx... i think of it quite is universally understood as a transformation, the two in time, area, or despite

Answer 5

Check the back of the book for footnotes

Answer 6

As Inkantra says, it indicates a change of scene. It can also represent a movement in time, either forward or backward, but usually forward.

Answer 7

I have seen it used to represent a change of scene. Like, when the screen goes black in a movie and then they are somewhere else.

Answer 8

It means that there is a footnote or reference related to the previous statement, etc.

Answer 9

It indicates both a shift in time and location, but within the chapter itself

Answer 10

dukalink hit the nail on the head--that's exactly the way I use them.