Common Character Elements
Aliens
From the Bug Eyed Monsters (BEMs) of the 1940's and 1950's and the Fuzzies of H. Beam Piper, to technologically advanced galactic civilizations, aliens have remained a popular element among SF writers and readers.
Heroes
In the past, heroes were predominantly human males, ranging from absent-minded professors to anti-social warriors. As SF evolved, so has its heroes, to become more complex and reflect the reality of humanity thanks to the pioneering of Ursula Le Guin, Samuel R. Delaney and Joanna Russ.
Plot Elements
Sex and Gender
Gender issues are frequently explored within SF. The scope is limitless; among the most common elements are androgynous humanoids, aliens that require multiple partners to reproduce, and cloning of the self. Themes of sexuality and gender in SF will no doubt expand as its readership broadens; the contemporary SF reader is no longer typified by the teenage male.
Aliens
From the Bug Eyed Monsters (BEMs) of the 1940's and 1950's and the Fuzzies of H. Beam Piper, to technologically advanced galactic civilizations, aliens have remained a popular element among SF writers and readers.
Heroes
In the past, heroes were predominantly human males, ranging from absent-minded professors to anti-social warriors. As SF evolved, so has its heroes, to become more complex and reflect the reality of humanity thanks to the pioneering of Ursula Le Guin, Samuel R. Delaney and Joanna Russ.
Plot Elements
A common plot element is the use of a special engine to propel the spaceship between solar systems or even galaxies. This drive system is useful as it can traverse distances often faster than light, and makes a distant galaxy accessible to the characters. Other ways to travel can include wormholes, or special 'stargates' left over from ancient civilizations long past. All are employed to ensure the characters can travel quickly across the vast distances.
Setting Elements
Place
As we've discussed previously, SF isn't just about space, but deals with the beyond. This includes parallel universes or the inner worlds of the cyberverse. There is no limit to the SF setting, apart from the imagination of the writer.
Setting Elements
Place
As we've discussed previously, SF isn't just about space, but deals with the beyond. This includes parallel universes or the inner worlds of the cyberverse. There is no limit to the SF setting, apart from the imagination of the writer.
Cultural
World Governments, crushing dystopian political systems, and ideal utopian societies -- SF is filled with speculative social constructs. These include the monarchies of David Weber's Honorverse, and Big Brother of George Orwell.
Technology
From technology powered by steam, to the self-aware artificial intelligence of cyber realms, SF encompasses a wide variety of technologies. Futuristic weaponry, sleek star ships, time-travelling police boxes and androids who could pass for humans, all exist within this genre.
Technology
From technology powered by steam, to the self-aware artificial intelligence of cyber realms, SF encompasses a wide variety of technologies. Futuristic weaponry, sleek star ships, time-travelling police boxes and androids who could pass for humans, all exist within this genre.
Sex and Gender
Gender issues are frequently explored within SF. The scope is limitless; among the most common elements are androgynous humanoids, aliens that require multiple partners to reproduce, and cloning of the self. Themes of sexuality and gender in SF will no doubt expand as its readership broadens; the contemporary SF reader is no longer typified by the teenage male.
Sexual bias is also being addressed by a new generation of writers. An example of this is the ground-breaking Uranian Worlds, a collection of SF, Fantasy and Horror short stories with commentary.
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