Fictif

Fictif is a term used in literary studies and creative writing to denote elements that are intentionally invented and do not correspond to real entities outside the narrative. It derives from the French word fictif, meaning fictitious, and is used both as a common adjective and as a proper name in some works.

In narrative theory, fictive elements are contrasted with real-world references. They include invented places, events, organizations, or persons that operate within the story world and are treated as if they have causal relevance within that world. The designation helps analysts discuss issues of verisimilitude, reliability, and world-building.

In fiction and world-building, Fictif can function as a named setting, such as a city, state, company, or technology, created to support internal logic and themes without implying real existence. Authors may define its laws, history, and social structures to explore hypothetical questions or critique real-world systems.

In scholarly and pedagogical contexts, Fictif tools are used to teach narrative perspective, metafiction, and the construction of fictional ecologies. It is also used in media studies as a label for case studies that isolate fictional elements to examine their impact on reader interpretation.

See also: fiction, metafiction, world-building. The term is generally not a trademark and is capitalized when used as a proper noun in specific works or discourse.