Inuniverse

Inuniverse, often written as in-universe, is a term used to describe elements that exist within the fictional world of a narrative, as opposed to aspects that come from outside that world. It encompasses characters, settings, events, technologies, laws of nature, and other details that the story presents as real within its own universe.

The concept is closely tied to the ideas of canon and continuity. In-universe information is treated as part of the story’s internal logic, while commentary about the work from creators, critics, or fans—often called meta or out-of-universe material—serves as external context. Discussions may distinguish between in-universe facts and interpretations or fan theories that operate outside the story’s stated boundaries, such as headcanon or fanon.

In practice, editors and researchers use in-universe distinctions to maintain internal consistency, especially in long-running franchises or complex fictional settings. For example, in-universe explanations might describe how a technology works or how a political system functions, while out-of-universe sources discuss authorial intent or production history.

The term is widely used in fan communities, wikis, and analysis to separate within-world logic from real-world commentary. It supports clear communication about what the characters know, what the rules are within the story, and how those rules shape plot and worldbuilding. See also canon, headcanon, fanon, and meta.