metafiktiota

Metafiction is a literary term referring to fictional writing that self-consciously draws attention to its status as a work of fiction, often to question the relationship between fiction and reality, author and reader, or the nature of storytelling itself. It breaks the "fourth wall" of the fictional world, acknowledging that a story is being told.

Common metafictional techniques include direct address to the reader, commentary on the writing process, characters who are aware they are in a story, or the inclusion of the author as a character. The narrative might explicitly discuss its own construction, plot, or themes, blurring the lines between the fictional world and the real world of its creation and reception.

The purpose of metafiction can vary. It might aim to provoke thought about the nature of truth and illusion, to explore the power and limitations of narrative, or to offer a playful and ironic commentary on literary conventions. It is not simply about telling a story, but about reflecting on the act of storytelling. Examples can be found across various literary periods and genres, though it gained significant prominence in the 20th century.