fictionusually

Fictionusually is a coined term used in literary discussion to describe the conventional or habitual features that characterize most works of fiction. It emphasizes the standard narrative practices—such as invented settings, conflict-driven plots, and constructed characters—that recur across genres. The term is not established in formal scholarship; it appears mainly in online glossaries and informal criticism as a way to discuss the predictable aspects of storytelling without prescribing rules.

Origins and usage: Fictionusually arose in online discourse as a playful portmanteau of fiction and usually, intended to mark the set of elements readers expect from most narratives. It is descriptive rather than normative, used to analyze patterns rather than to argue about value judgments.

Examples and scope: In detective fiction, fictionusually involves a mystery, clues, red herrings, and a final solution. In romance, it often centers on emotional stakes, relational obstacles, and a satisfying or hopeful ending. The term can be applied across media, including novels, screenplays, and oral storytelling, whenever a work adheres to common narrative conventions.

Criticism and limitations: Because fictionusually lacks a formal definition, its interpretation varies by speaker and context. Critics warn that reliance on the idea of the "usual" can obscure innovation or mischaracterize unconventional works. Related concepts include genre conventions, narratology, and meta-fiction.