Characteristics:
- Realism: Novels sought to depict everyday life and characters realistically, capturing the complexities and nuances of human experience.
- Character Development: Novels placed emphasis on the development and exploration of characters, allowing readers to connect deeply with their personalities.
- Plot-driven: Novels featured engaging narratives with clear plotlines, often involving elements of romance, adventure, or social critique.
- Satirical Elements: Many novels employed satire to criticize social, political, and religious conventions of the time.
- Moral and Social Commentary: Novels often conveyed didactic messages, exploring moral dilemmas, societal issues, and the consequences of human choices.
- Social Realism: Some novels, such as those by Daniel Defoe and Henry Fielding, focused on the lives of ordinary people, offering a glimpse into the social realities of different classes.
- Psychological Insight: Authors like Samuel Richardson delved into the psychological motivations and emotions of characters, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.
- Serialisation: Many novels were initially published in serialised form in periodicals, allowing readers to follow the stories as they unfolded over time.