What do you think the main difference is in fantasy fiction over adventure fiction?

Question

Once you introduce a paranormal element, is it no longer to be classified as "adventure fiction"? If you know your stuff, please say so. If you want to quess, or even have a strong opinion, you're welcome to answer, but I especially want to hear from those in the know.

Answer 1

You have already answered your own question .......... the introduction of a paranormal element (eg. superpowers, ability to fly, invisibilty ) excludes from the "adventure fiction" category where the characters have normal if not enhanced capabilities.

Answer 2

There can be fantasy fiction and fantasy adventure fiction, the two aren't always interchangeable, since a fantasy fiction might not have an adventure element.

However, fantasy adventure fiction are often putted into fantasy fiction if the story enviroments anfd/or elements are too much in the realm of fantasy. If the story enviroments and/or elements aren't too much in the realm of fantasy, it will be put the usual adventure fiction.


The problem lies on which definition of "fantasy" one want to choose. To some, a paranormal element is considered a fantasy.

Answer 3

Almost any fiction can be an adventure. The introduction of elves, magic, dragons or other magical elements makes it fantasy fiction.

I was a cataloging librarian for 30 years. We classed straight adventure -- hero overcomes adversity to win a prize -- in "regular" fiction. Speculative fiction that presents adventures in the future was classed in Science fiction and adventures involving dragons, magic, etc. was Fantasy. They were all adventures. It was the locale that changed the classification.

Answer 4

I think a little paranormal element can be contained in adventure fiction, (ESP, ghosts to a limited degree, "possession") but once you get into truly "unreal" subject matter (dragons, wizards, time travel, the distant future, etc.) it becomes "fantasy" because there isn't any reality base anymore.