Science fiction is one of the most imaginative and thought-provoking genres, offering readers a glimpse into worlds beyond the ordinary. From futuristic technologies to alien civilizations, the genre captivates us with endless possibilities. But what makes a story unmistakably science fiction? At its core, science fiction is built on a foundation of key elements that define its identity.
Let’s explore these building blocks that bring this fascinating genre to life.
Futuristic and Advanced Technology
Picture this: a spaceship that bends time, robots with emotions or devices that can upload memories. Futuristic tech is the heartbeat of science fiction. It doesn’t just set the stage; it’s often the story’s lifeblood.
Do you remember ‘The Jetsons’? — an animated show set in a futuristic world of robots and flying cars. What made the show interesting was how audiences were not intimidated by a world where high-tech reigned supreme. The human characters very much had a role in day-to-day activities, and it was their quirks that made life in an advanced world worth living.
Or, think of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ and the ‘HAL 9000’ —a perfect blend of awe and unease about artificial intelligence. These inventions tease us with what might be possible while making us question if we are ready for it.
Space Exploration: To Infinity and Beyond
What lies beyond our planet? Science fiction loves that question and uses it as a motivator to draw the image of the unknown. Whether it’s the ragtag adventures of Star Wars or the gritty realism of The Martian, space exploration is more than a backdrop — it’s canvas for humanity’s hopes, fears and dreams.
The ‘What If’ Factor
Science fiction isn’t waving a magic wand; it’s asking, “what if?” The genre is all about blending real science with wild speculation. Writers like Isaac Asimov and Andy Weir make the impossible seem possible by grounding the impossible in reality. That’s what makes the impossible seem just out of reach.
Time Travel: The Ultimate Brain Twister
Time travel is the ultimate “what if?” What if you could go back in time or forward in time? From H.G. Wells to Nolan’s Interstellar, these stories mess with our understanding of cause and effect and make us rethink time and destiny. Buckle up because time travel stories are a wild ride.
Mysterious Characters: Friends or Enemies or … Both?
What makes humans stand out among the rest of living beings is their ability to co-exist. They are not territorial and love accommodating their living spaces for all beings. In science fiction, the question of aliens remains unanswerable.
Readers are often wary of ‘liking’ mysterious characters. Are aliens or other space creatures here to help, like in ET? Or are they out to conquer, as in War of the Worlds? Either way, extraterrestrials are a shining element of science fiction, forcing us to confront the possibility of life beyond Earth and our place in the universe. Raymond Hunter’s Planet Saviors, for example, is a great example of how to create likeable science fiction characters.
Before you leave…
If you are just starting out in the world of science fiction, you should consider getting your hands on Planet Saviors, a sci-fi novel that shows the world beyond our planet earth. It explores the goods and bads of the world far beyond our tiny settings! Read the story and find out what Stella and her team are up to and whether or not they could save their planet from impending danger!
