contagon

Contagon is a term used to describe a particular type of fictional contagion or outbreak scenario often found in speculative fiction, particularly in science fiction and horror. It typically refers to a disease or biological agent that spreads rapidly and has a significant, often catastrophic, impact on a population or civilization. The key characteristic of a contagon is its dramatic and widespread effect, leading to societal collapse, widespread death, or significant alteration of humanity.

The term itself is a portmanteau, combining "contagion" with "agonizing," implying a painful and devastating course of infection. While not a scientifically recognized term, it serves as a useful shorthand for writers and audiences to understand a specific genre trope. Contagon narratives often explore themes of survival, the fragility of civilization, human nature under extreme pressure, and the ethical dilemmas that arise during a global crisis.

Fictional contagons can manifest in various ways, including viral pandemics, biological warfare, or even extraterrestrial pathogens. The narrative focus is usually on the societal breakdown, the struggle for survival of a small group of protagonists, and the search for a cure or a safe haven. While the specifics vary greatly, the underlying concept of a widespread, devastating, and often incurable disease remains central to the contagon trope.