What are the common techniques of detective fiction?

One common technique is the use of deductive reasoning. Detectives in mystery novels often start with a set of facts and then use logical thinking to draw conclusions. For example, Sherlock Holmes is famous for his deductive skills. He can observe a person's appearance, like the mud on their shoes or the way they hold their pipe, and deduce where they've been or what they do for a living. Another technique is following up on alibis. Detectives will check the statements of suspects to see if they were really where they claimed to be at the time of the crime.

One common technique is world - building. Science fiction often creates entirely new worlds, like the post - apocalyptic landscapes in 'Mad Max' or the interstellar empires in 'Dune'. Another is the use of advanced technology concepts that may not exist yet, such as faster - than - light travel. And speculation about the future of humanity, like in 'Blade Runner' where the line between human and artificial is blurred.

Exaggeration is a key technique in satire in fiction. By blowing things out of proportion, like making a bureaucrat's paperwork obsession so extreme that it takes over their entire life, the absurdity of a situation is highlighted. Irony is also crucial. For example, in a story where the 'good guys' are actually more immoral than the 'bad guys'. And then there's caricature, creating one - dimensional characters that represent a particular vice or folly in an extreme way, like a miser who won't even spend a penny to save his own life.

Some common narrative techniques in fiction include first - person narration, where the story is told from the perspective of a character using 'I'. Another is third - person omniscient, where the narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Third - person limited is also used, which focuses on one character's perspective.

One common technique is the use of nuclear bombs to kick - start the terraforming process. This is often used to create a thicker atmosphere on a planet like Mars. Another is the seeding of a planet with genetically modified plants that can survive in harsh conditions and start to change the environment.

The use of foreshadowing through editing is also prevalent. Editors may place small hints or snippets of future events earlier in the story. For instance, in a pulp horror story, there could be brief flashes of a menacing figure in the background during the early, calmer parts of the narrative. These are then tied together as the horror unfolds later in the story, creating a sense of inevitability and increasing the overall tension.

One important literary technique in fiction is characterization. This is how the author creates and develops the characters. Through direct description, like saying a character is 'tall and imposing', or indirect means such as showing the character's actions and dialogue. Metaphor is also common. It's a comparison without using 'like' or 'as', for example, 'her eyes were stars'. Flashback is another technique, taking the reader back in time to provide context or backstory.

One common technique is through dialogue. Characters might say something that hints at future events. For example, 'I have a feeling this journey will change everything.' Another is the use of symbols. A black cat in a story could foreshadow bad luck. Also, setting details can be used for foreshadowing. If a storm is brewing in the background as a character makes a decision, it might foreshadow trouble ahead.

The common elements often include a mystery or crime to be solved. There's usually a detective, either professional or amateur. Clues are scattered throughout the story for the detective to find and piece together. And there's often a list of suspects, each with their own motives and alibis.

One common technique is through dialogue. Characters' conversations can reveal their personalities, beliefs, and how they change over time. Another is by putting them in difficult historical situations. For example, in a war - torn setting, a character might develop courage or cynicism. Also, using historical events as catalysts for internal change in characters is a technique.