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{{Short description|Wikipedia project page}}{{pp-protected|small=yes}}{{MoS guideline|MOS:WAF|WP:WAF|sortkey=Fiction}}{{nutshell|Wikipedia articles should describe fiction and fictional elements from the perspective of the real world, not from the perspective of the fiction itself. Jump to {{slink||Conclusions}} for a more detailed summary of this guideline's contents.}}{{Style}}Wikipedia contains numerous articles on '''subjects related to fiction''', including [[fictional universe|fictional worlds]] and elements therein. When creating these articles, editors should establish the subject's real-world [[WP:N|notability]] by including several [[WP:RS|reliable]], [[Wikipedia:Independent sources|independent]] [[Wikipedia:No original research#Primary, secondary and tertiary_sources|secondary]] sources. This approach will also ensure enough source material is available to write a balanced article that is more than [[WP:NOTPLOT|just a plot summary]], meeting the policy on [[Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not|what Wikipedia is not]].Once an article about fiction or a fictional subject meets basic policies and guidelines, editors should consider: (a) ''what'' to write about the subject, and (b) ''how'' to best present that information. These questions are complementary and should be addressed simultaneously to create a well-written article or [[WP:BETTER|improve a preexisting one]].== Real-world perspective =={{shortcut|MOS:REALWORLD|MOS:FICTIONAL}}Articles about fiction, like all Wikipedia articles, should use the [[Real life (reality)|real world]] as their primary [[Linguistic frame of reference|frame of reference]]. As such, the subject should be described from the ''perspective of the real world''. To achieve this, editors must use both [[#Primary|primary]] '''and''' [[#Secondary|secondary information]].Important aspects of real-world perspective include:* Careful differentiation between the work itself and aspects of its ''[[Product/process distinction|production process]]'' and ''[[publication]]'', such as the ''impact'' it has had in the real world (see also [[#Contextual presentation|below]])* Careful differentiation between ''narrated'' time and fictional chronology on the one hand, and ''narrative'' time and actual chronology of real-world events on the other (of particular relevance to all film and TV-related topics)* The ''presentation'' of fictional material** particularly for film and TV-related topics, this may include ''[[cinematography|cinematographical]]'' aspects** for literature, this may include ''[[writing style]]'' and ''[[literary technique]]''* Description of fictional characters, places and devices as ''objects of the [[narrative]]''* Mentioning the creator=== The problem with in-universe perspective ==={{shortcut|MOS:INUNIVERSE|MOS:OUTUNIVERSE|MOS:IN-U|WP:UNIVERSE}}An ''in-universe perspective'' describes the narrative (or a ''fictional element'' of the narrative, such as characters, places, groups, and lore) from the vantage of characters within the [[fictional universe]], treating it as if it were real and ignoring [[WP:PLOT|real-world context and sourced analysis]]. Many fan wikis and fan websites (see [[#Alternative outlets for fictional universe articles|below]]) take this approach, but it should not be used for Wikipedia articles. An in-universe perspective can be misleading to the reader, who may have trouble differentiating between fact and fiction within the article. Furthermore, articles with an in-universe perspective are more likely to include [[WP:Verifiability|unverifiable]] [[WP:No original research|original research]] due to reliance on the primary source. Most importantly, in-universe perspective defies community consensus as to [[WP:What Wikipedia is not#Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information|what we do not want Wikipedia to be]].Features often seen in an inappropriate, in-universe perspective include:* Describing aspects of the work as if they were real.* [[WP:FICTENSE|Using past tense when discussing the plot or any of its elements]] (except [[backstory]]), rather than the [[narrative present]] tense.* Presenting backstories of fictional elements as real-world historical accounts. For example, an in-universe perspective might describe the history of [[Starfleet]] from the ''[[Star Trek]]'' franchise in a manner similar to that of the [[US Air Force]], giving extensive detail to topics such as creation, fleet composition, battles, and key events. Instead, descriptions of Starfleet should cover only the most essential details and mention the specific works (TV episodes, films, books, etc.) in which these details were included.* [[wiktionary:fictography|Fictography]]&nbsp;– a character description that is written like a biography, placing [[WP:UNDUE|undue emphasis]] on fictional traits (titles, birthdates, etc.) that are unimportant to the plot or its interpretation. For example, instead of introducing the character as "[[Gandalf]] was a powerful wizard", write "Gandalf is characterised as a powerful wizard", or "Gandalf is a wizard who appears within the works of [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]".* Labeling fictional characters with descriptors such as "deceased" or "formerly".* Attempting to reconcile [[plot hole|contradictions or bridge gaps]] in the narrative, rather than simply reporting them as such.* Giving undue weight to a fictional topic's appearances in obscure [[spin-off (media)|spin-off]] material.* Placing [[spiritual successor]]s in the same [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]] as the works that inspired them.* Using [[in-joke]]s and references that require knowledge of a work's plot, its fictional elements, or related works.* In the plot summary, giving undue weight to a work's most memorable scenes or lines in relation to their importance to the rest of the plot. Elements that have entered popular culture should be covered in a "Reception" or "Legacy" section. Example: ''[[Monty Python and the Holy Grail]]'' has jokes and phrases that have entered popular parlance but have little effect on the story's actual progression; however, the murder of the historian in one scene is a sight gag that {{em|is}} actually plot-relevant and should be described briefly.* Using [[#Infoboxes and succession boxes|infoboxes]] intended for real-world topics.* Referring to the fictional events or dates that occur in the story, rather than the fictional works themselves. For example, instead of writing "{{!xt|It is the year 34,500 AD, when the [[Trantorian Empire]] encompasses roughly half the galaxy}}", write "{{xt|''[[The Currents of Space]]'' is set in 34,500 AD, when the Trantorian Empire encompasses roughly half the galaxy"}}, or similar.* Making connections to real-world people, places, or events that are not clearly established by the work. Editors can include material about historical events and figures when writing about [[historical fiction]] (e.g., how the fiction diverges from recorded history), but they should not assume connections for [[speculative fiction]]. For example, the 1988 film ''[[Akira (1988 film)|Akira]]'' takes place in Neo-Tokyo on the eve of the 2020 Olympics. By happenstance, the real-world Tokyo hosted the [[2020 Summer Olympics]]; do not conflate or compare the fictional event of the film with the actual event. However, when a prediction has received coverage in reliable sources or entered the popular culture, it may be discussed in a separate section from the plot. For example, the predictions made about the year 2015 in ''[[Back to the Future Part II]]'', cited to secondary reliable sources, can be discussed in a designated section.* Ordering works by their fictional chronology, rather than the actual order in which they were published. Articles should give precedence to a clear real-world chronology, while the in-universe order of events can be summarized in a prose plot summary. For example, although the story of ''[[Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace]]'' is a [[prequel]] that represents the beginning of the ''[[Star Wars]]'' narrative, it should be defined by release order because it was the fourth film released in the series.These restrictions also apply to serious satire such as ''[[Gulliver's Travels]]'', ''[[Candide]]'', and many stage plays, in which the fictional elements camouflage the political or social criticism within the work. In such cases, it is legitimate to use [[WP:RS|reliable sources]] to examine the fictional elements and the design of the storyline when such sources attempt to decipher the author's original intent. Also, exemptions might apply to other special forms of literature in which the fiction/non-fiction categorization is disputed, such as the possibly historical elements of [[religious scripture]].== Sources of information =={{anchor|Primary and secondary information}}{{shortcut|MOS:PASI}}{{see also|Wikipedia:No original research#Primary, secondary and tertiary sources}}This section deals with the ''incorporation of information'' in articles about fiction, specifically in regard to primary and secondary sources.=== Primary ==={{shortcut|MOS:BOOKPLOT|MOS:FICTIONPLOT|WP:BOOKPLOT}}In an article about fiction, the fiction itself is the main [[primary source]]. Even articles with the strictest adherence to a real-world perspective still source the original work. According to the policy {{section link|WP:No original research#Primary, secondary, and tertiary sources}}, "A primary source may be used on Wikipedia only to make straightforward, descriptive '''statements of facts''' that can be '''verified by any educated person with access''' to the primary source but without further, specialized knowledge. ... {{strong|Do not}} analyze, evaluate, interpret, or synthesize material found in a primary source yourself; instead, refer to reliable secondary sources that do so."Examples of information often only found in primary sources include:* the birth and death dates of fictional characters;* performance statistics or characteristics for fictional vehicles or devices;* history of fictional locations or organizations;* background information on fictional creatures; and* the plot itself.This content should not be included outside of the plot summary section of an article, unless also covered in reliable secondary sources.=== Secondary ===''Secondary information'' is external to the fictional universe; it is usually taken from [[secondary source]]s about the work or the [[Plot (narrative)|fictional world it describes]], or from primary and secondary sources about the author and the creation of the work. Publications affiliated with a particular work (such as fan magazines) are mostly ''not'' considered suitable secondary sources about the primary works. However, such publications may be suitable primary or secondary sources in an article about the fan publication itself or other related topics.The rule of thumb is to use as much secondary information as [[#The problem with in-universe perspective|necessary]] and [[#Real-world perspective|useful]] to cover the topic's major facts and details from a real-world perspective – [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Trivia sections|not more]] and [[#The problem with in-universe perspective|not less]]. Another rule of thumb is that if the topic is [[Wikipedia:Notability|notable]], secondary information should be available and possibly already in the article.Examples of [[#Real-world perspective|useful]] information typically provided by secondary sources about the original work, or primary and secondary sources about information related to the work, include the:* author, creator, or other key figures in the creation process (e.g., the cinematographer for films);* production company and/or publishing house;* design and development (at all stages of the work's creation);* real-world factors that influenced the work (or an aspect thereof); * actors who portrayed a character (and their approach to the depiction);* noteworthy foreign translations;* sales figures (for commercial offerings);* reception by critics and the public;* critical analysis, including discussion of themes, style, motifs, and genre; and* influence on later creators and their projects.== Contextual presentation =={{shortcut|MOS:PLOT}}An article about a fictional work should include a plot summary. Character descriptions or direct quotations could also be helpful in some cases. By convention, the summary should be written in the continuous present tense, also known as the [[narrative present]], as this is how a reader, listener, or viewer experiences the story (see also [[WP:FICTENSE]]).Plot summaries and character descriptions should be written in an out-of-universe style, presenting the narrative from an external real-world frame of reference from the characters or setting. For example, instead of starting a plot summary with "It is 2003", which puts the reader in the frame of reference of the work, start with "In 2003," which extracts the reader from that frame.Plot summaries should be written as prose, not as lists or timelines. For some types of media, associated guidelines may offer advice on plot length; for example, {{slink|WP:Manual of Style/Film|Plot}} and {{slink|WP:Manual of Style/Novels|Plot}} say that plot summaries for feature films or full length novels should be between 400 and 700 words.Wikipedia articles normally include plot spoilers, as explained in the [[Wikipedia:Spoiler|spoiler guideline]]. A plot summary should cover the complete story, including all major plot points, significant [[Plot twist|twists]], and the ending. Avoid using "teaser-style" descriptions designed to withhold key encyclopedic details, for example "In the end the family makes a shocking discovery…". Omitting or concealing plot elements due to concerns about spoilers is not acceptable. Spoiler warnings are never used on Wikipedia, for the reasons set out in the [[Wikipedia:No disclaimers|no disclaimers guideline]].Do not create articles [[WP:NOTPLOT|consisting of a plot summary and little else]]. Sourced external context should always be presented, covering the development, design, reception, significance or influence of the work.===Plot summaries of individual works===In articles on individual works, the plot summary usually appears in a section labeled "Plot", "Story", or "Synopsis". This heading implicitly informs the reader that the text within it describes the fiction. It is thus usually not necessary for a plot summary to include explicit out-of-universe language, though care should be taken to [[#The problem with in-universe perspective|avoid incorporating elements of an in-universe perspective]]. Subheadings based on natural divisions in the plot, such as the acts of a play or musical, can be used to provide real-world framing. In a Wikipedia article on a work of fiction, the work itself serves as a primary source for a written description of the plot. Thus, a basic plot summary, without interpretation or explanation, does not normally require a reference to any outside source. References may be required in non-linear works such as video games and interactive films, where key elements of the plot may not be seen by the viewer due to how they interact with the work. For example, some of the core backstory to the video game ''[[BioShock]]'' is provided by optional audio logs, so Wikipedia's plot summary references these when they are relevant.Works that incorporate non-linear storytelling elements, such as [[Flashback (narrative)|flashbacks]] (''[[Citizen Kane]]'') or ''[[in medias res]]'' (''[[The Usual Suspects]]'') presentation, or other narrative framing devices such as breaking the [[fourth wall]] (''[[Ferris Bueller's Day Off]]'') or inclusion of [[self-referential humor]] (''[[Monty Python and the Holy Grail]]''), may require inclusion of out-of-universe language to describe how the work is presented to the reader or viewer. For example, a summary of ''Citizen Kane'' should establish that much of the film is an extended flashback that is bookended by scenes in the film's present; the entire plot summary should still be written in narrative present tense. Summaries may depart from the fiction's chronological order if doing so enhances clarity or brevity. A work with two concurrent, interchanging storylines is likely better told by summarizing one storyline in full, followed by the second storyline. If the narrative device is a significant feature of the work, such as with the films ''[[Memento (film)|Memento]]'' and ''[[Run Lola Run]]'', then this structure should be explained to the reader.The plot summary should normally set out the basic plot without any attempt to interpret or explain the creator's intent or meaning. Where a plot point is unclear or ambiguous, for example as a result of an [[unreliable narrator]] or storytelling technique, out-of-universe language can be used to describe (but not to interpret) the way in which events are presented. Discussion, interpretation and explanation of the plot requires the citation of external reliable sources, and is generally best included elsewhere in the article.===Plot summaries of serial works===A plot summary for a series might broadly describe the overall series storyline, related events in different works, or the life of a fictional character over multiple works. Section headers can delineate individual works in the series.=== Spinout articles ===When an article gets [[Wikipedia:Article size|long]], a section is sometimes developed into its own article, and the handling of the subject in the main article is condensed to a [[Wikipedia:Summary style|brief summary]]. The new article is sometimes called a "spinoff" or "spinout" of the main article. For fiction, such spinout articles are typically about characters or other elements that appear in multiple works. There may be a [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Lists|list]] of characters. If one individual character or plot item is sufficiently notable, it could have its own article. Such an article should make clear that the subject is part of the fictional world in question; characters should not be presented as if they are real persons, fictional settings should not be treated as real places, and so forth. Section labels such as "Fictional description" or "Appearances" can help to maintain a real-world perspective. Appropriate real-world information should also be included.Even in a spinout article, [[WP:PLOT|excessive detail]] should be avoided. As with all Wikipedia articles, the spinout needs to be [[WP:V|verifiable]], must possess [[WP:NOR|no original research]], and must reflect a [[WP:NPOV|neutral point of view]].===Sourcing and quotations==={{shortcut|WP:PLOTREF|MOS:PLOTSOURCE}}The plot summary for a work, on a page about that work, does not need to be sourced with [[Wikipedia:Inline citation|inline citations]], as it is generally assumed that the work itself is the primary source for the plot summary. However, if the summary includes a direct quotation from the work, then [[Wikipedia:Verifiability]] requires it to have an inline citation, just like any other direct quotation. Inline citations from the primary work can also be helpful (but are not required) to source key or complex plot points. If all or most of the summary has been derived not from the work itself but from a comprehensive plot summary in a reliable secondary source, citing that source is recommended as a convenience to others.===Analysis and interpretation==={{shortcut|WP:PLOTANALYSIS|MOS:PLOTINTERPRETATION}}Plot summaries that rely on the work as a primary source should provide a straightforward account of the plot, free from interpretation. For example, a summary of ''[[Inception]]'' should not speculate on whether the spinning top remains upright or falls at the end of the film. Any interpretive content should be placed in a separate analysis section and supported by secondary sources, in accordance with the [[No original research|prohibition on original research]]. Information drawn directly from a work as a primary source should represent how the work is presented to a typical reader or viewer, avoiding reliance on details that demand a meticulous word-by-word or frame-by-frame analysis beyond the standard experience of reading or watching.In many visual works, viewers with relevant local or specialist knowledge may easily identify real-world locations, objects, or brands. However, such details should not be included in the plot summary unless they are explicitly referenced within the work and are directly relevant to the narrative. For instance, the [[DMC DeLorean]] in [[Back to the Future|''Back to the Future'']] is explicitly identified in the film and is central to the story, making its inclusion in the summary appropriate. By contrast, while the setting of [[Seven (1995 film)|''Seven'']] can be recognised as Los Angeles through visible landmarks, the city should not be mentioned in the summary since the film does not explicitly name it and its specific features are not central to the story. If such details hold real-life significance and are supported by a secondary source, they may be included in a separate section, such as one addressing filming locations or behind-the-scenes matters.== Notability ==Generally speaking, a fictional topic that does not meet the [[Wikipedia:Notability|notability guidelines]] should not have its own article on Wikipedia. However, a collection of fictional topics, such as a setting or cast of characters, may be more notable as a whole. As mentioned [[#Secondary|earlier]], the rule of thumb is that if the topic is sufficiently notable, [[WP:PSTS|secondary sources]] will be available and will ideally be included upon article creation, to show that the article should exist.== Accuracy and appropriate weight ==Articles must be written from a [[WP:neutral point of view|neutral point of view]] and must give due weight to all aspects of the subject. Editors should also give appropriate weight to all elements of the article (e.g., images and text, as well as [[#Infoboxes and succession boxes|infoboxes and succession boxes]]). The goal is to attain the greatest possible degree of accuracy in covering the topic at hand, which is also the basic rationale behind discouraging [[WP:PLOT|disproportionately long plot summaries]] and in-universe writing.<!--kinda vague-->== Fair use =={{shortcut|MOS:FAIR USE}}As the Wikimedia Foundation is based in the United States, Wikipedia articles [[Wikipedia:Copyrights#Governing copyright law|must conform to United States copyright law]]. It has been held in a number of court cases that any work which [[WP:PLOTCOPYRIGHT|re-tells excessive plot details]] from a fictional source, without adding information about that work, or in some way analysing and explaining it, may be construed as a [[derivative work]] or a copyright violation. This may apply irrespective of the way information is presented, in or out of the respective fictional universe, or in some entirely different form such as a quizbook or "encyclopedia galactica".Information from copyrighted fiction can be provided only under [[fair use]], and [[Wikipedia:Non-free content criteria|Wikipedia's non-free content policy]] requires {{strong|minimal extent of use}}. Many works of fiction covered by Wikipedia are protected by copyright. Some works are sufficiently old that their copyright has expired, or the rights may have been released in some way, such as under the [[CC BY-SA]] license, or into the [[public domain]]. In these cases, the works themselves may be hosted at a Wikimedia project like [[Wikisource]], but the Wikipedia should still cover the work tersely.== Conclusions ==When writing about fiction, keep the following in mind.* '''Write from a real-world perspective''': the principal frame of reference is always the real world, not a fictional world in which the story occurs.* '''Use a balance of primary and secondary sources''': both are necessary for a real-world perspective.* '''Avoid original research''': unpublished personal observation and interpretation are [[WP:NOR|not acceptable]] on Wikipedia.* '''Reference all information and cite your sources''': information needs to be [[WP:V|verifiable]]. Sources must be appropriately [[Wikipedia:Citing sources|cited]] in the article.* '''Maintain balanced coverage''': all relevant aspects must be given [[WP:UNDUE|due weight]] in all elements of the article, including text, images, layout, and even the article title. Avoid lists of fictional events or [[WP:TRIVIA|trivia]]. Instead, incorporate relevant information into the article as prose, and discard information that is either redundant or unnecessary to understanding that topic. If a fictional topic is [[Wikipedia:Notability|not covered in several independent, reliable, secondary sources]], then it probably should not have its own article.* '''Put all content in the correct context''': readability and comprehensibility are key, and the reader should always be able to differentiate between real world and fictional content.* '''Use copyrighted work sparingly''': check [[Wikipedia:Image use policy|the image use policy]] before adding images to any article. Ensure the article complies with [[Wikipedia:Fair use criteria|Wikipedia's fair-use policy]].== List of exemplary articles =={{See also|Category:FA-Class novel articles|Category:FA-Class Fantasy fiction articles|Category:FA-Class Comics articles|Category:FA-Class science fiction articles|Category:FA-Class video game articles}}Here are examples of fiction-related articles that, at last check, followed the [[#Real-world perspective|real-world perspective]]. This is a brief selection; for other equally exceptional examples, see the lists of articles that have been rated at [[WP:GA|Good]] and [[WP:FA|Featured]] status.List of articles {{As of|2024|12|17|lc=y}}:{{col-begin}}{{col-break}}===Complete works=======Novels====* ''[[The General in His Labyrinth]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[The Sun Also Rises]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* [[Pattern Recognition (novel)|''Pattern Recognition'' (novel)]] {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[To Kill a Mockingbird]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}====Films====* ''[[Bride of Frankenstein]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* [[Jaws (film)|''Jaws'' (film)]] {{Class/icon|FA}}* [[Tenebrae (film)|''Tenebrae'' (film)]] {{Class/icon|FA}}====Television series====* ''[[Animaniacs]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[Joking Apart]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}====Television episodes====* [[200 (Stargate SG-1)|"200" (''Stargate SG-1'')]] {{Class/icon|FA}}* "[[Abyssinia, Henry]]" {{Class/icon|FA}}* [[Damien (South Park)|"Damien" (''South Park'')]] {{Class/icon|FA}}* "[[The Other Woman (Lost)|The Other Woman (''Lost'')]]" {{Class/icon|FA}}* "[[The Stolen Earth]]" {{Class/icon|FA}}====Comics====* ''[[Bone Sharps, Cowboys, and Thunder Lizards]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[Roy of the Rovers]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* "[[Sinestro Corps War]]" {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[Tokyo Mew Mew]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[Watchmen]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}====Video games====* ''[[Age of Empires]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}* ''[[Outer Wilds]]'' {{Class/icon|FA}}====Miscellaneous====* "[[Indian Camp]]" {{Class/icon|FA}}{{col-break|gap=2em}}===Characters=======Cartoons====* [[Bart Simpson]] {{Class/icon|FA}}* [[Naruto Uzumaki]] {{Class/icon|FA}}====Video games====* [[Ada Wong]] {{Class/icon|FA}}* [[Jill Valentine]] {{Class/icon|FA}}* [[Raichu]] {{Class/icon|FA}}{{col-break|gap=2em}}===Elements of fictional works===* [[Dunder Mifflin]] (''The Office'' company) {{Class/icon|GA}}* [[Flood (Halo)|Flood (''Halo'')]] (''Halo'' species) {{Class/icon|FA}}* [[Mythology of Carnivàle|Mythology of ''Carnivàle'']] {{Class/icon|GA}}{{col-end}}== Templates ==;{{tlx|In-universe}}If you notice an article that predominantly describes a fictional topic from an in-universe perspective, or even provides no indication that a fictional subject is fictional, preferably rewrite the article or section yourself, or use the {{tlf|In-universe}} template to bring the issue to the attention of others. You could also leave a note on the article's talk page explaining your objections. The template looks like this:{{In-universe}}<br />;{{tlx|Cleanup tense}}One of the most frequently occurring errors associated with an in-universe style of writing is incorrect use of past tense when discussing elements of the plot. [[WP:FICTENSE|Works of fiction are generally considered to "come alive" when read]]. As with all other article issues, preferably fix it yourself, or alternatively you may use the template to supplement and specify the {{tlf|In-universe}} template's call for a consistent real-world perspective.{{Cleanup tense}}<br />;{{tlx|Primary sources}}If you notice an article featuring only primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject, preferably find and add suitable sources yourself, or use the {{tlf|Primarysources}} template to bring the issue to the attention of others.{{Primary sources}}<br />;{{tlx|No plot}}When the article is missing a plot summary entirely, use the {{tlf|No plot}} template. If you feel qualified to write a basic plot summary, consider giving it a shot. [[Wikipedia:How to write a plot summary|Succinctly summarizing a plot]] and deciding which elements to mention and how to describe and weight them can be a challenge, but it's also a rewarding experience; plot summaries can be entirely based on primary sources and in many cases no complicated cross-reading between various sources is required.{{No plot}}<br />;{{tlx|Hook}}, {{tlx|More plot}}When the plot summary is present but insufficient (for example, if it summarizes the conflict but omits the resolution, or consists only of a blurb or "hook"), use the {{tlf|Hook}} or {{tlf|More plot}} template.{{Hook}}{{More plot}}<br />;{{tlx|Long plot}}A plot summary should be succinct and focused on the main plot. [[Wikipedia:How to write a plot summary#What to cut|What to cut]] can sometimes be a difficult decision. If you have the time and energy, please consider tightening overly long and overly detailed plot summaries yourself.{{Long plot}}<br />; {{tlx|All plot}}When the article contains little more than a plot summary, use {{tlf|All plot}} to raise the issue. Since a lack of significant coverage in reliable secondary sources may eventually lead to the article's being nominated for deletion, consider improving the article yourself.{{All plot}}<br />== Alternative outlets for fictional universe articles =={{see also|List of wikis}}Many fictional universes have dedicated wikis that may feature more comprehensive coverage of the in-universe aspects of the work, without the need to establish real-world perspective. If a universe is not available in the above link, please try a [[search engine]].== Infoboxes and succession boxes =={{shortcut|MOS:WAF-INFO}}{{anchor|Infoboxes}}[[Wikipedia:List of infoboxes|Infoboxes]], usually placed in the upper-right portion of an article, give key data about the article's subject in tabular format. For entities within fiction, useful infobox data might include the creators or actors, first appearance, an image, and in-universe information ''essential'' to understanding the entity's context in the overall fiction. What qualifies as essential varies based on the nature of the work. Where facts change at different points in a story or series, there may be no appropriate in-universe information at all to add. By contrast, an infobox on a character in a [[fantasy]] work with multiple warring factions may warrant data such as allegiance.As with all infoboxes, trivial details should be avoided. An infobox for a real-life actor would not contain items such as ''favorite food'' and ''hobbies''; these details do not aid the reader in understanding the ''important'' characteristics of the subject. In the same way, infoboxes about fictional entities should avoid delving into minutiae, such as information only mentioned in supplementary backstory. For this reason, infoboxes meant for real-world entities should not be applied to their fictional counterparts, since, for example, information important to a description of a real-world company may be tangential to a fictional one. It is important to identify the revenue of [[Microsoft]], whereas the fact that fictional MegaAcmeCorp makes {{Nowrap|300 billion}} GalactiBucks in 2463 is probably unimportant.Another common type of template, [[Template:S-start|succession boxes]], should not be used to describe in-universe relationships in articles about fictional entities. Succession boxes assume continuity, which may not exist. Furthermore, they may invite the creation of non-notable articles that fall under the fictional succession. For articles about works of fiction themselves, the story that each work of fiction depicts does not change despite the continuation of stories across serial works or sequels, and as a consequence, the events within one work of fiction are always in the present whenever it is read, watched, or listened to. In-universe temporal designations such as "current" or "previous" are therefore inappropriate. For character articles (which cannot be bound temporally), it may be acceptable to use customized templates to summarize information from the perspective of the real world, such as connections between articles describing the same fictional world. Such templates should not invite the creation of articles about non-notable subjects.==Categories==A number of [[:Category:Fiction by topic|categories]] exist to sort works of fiction by their major themes and narrative elements which can help readers find related works. For example, works on ''Harry Potter'' should be categorized in [[:Category:Fictional characters who use magic|Fictional characters who use magic]]. However, editors should be careful not to use an excessive number of categories, and should only use the categories that primarily cover the work, where it would be nearly impossible to concisely describe the work or topic of fiction without broadly mentioning the category. While [[:Category:Fiction about gambling]] may readily apply to stories where [[gambling]] is a major element, the work should not be placed into this category just based on the appearance of gambling in the work. Overzealous sorting can diffuse the usefulness of these categories, as well as over-categorize certain works.== See also ==* [[Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not#PLOT|Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information]], see Summary-only descriptions of works* [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style]] sub-guidelines:** [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Anime and manga|Anime and manga]]** [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Comics|Comics]]** [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Film|Films]]** [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Novels|Novels]]** [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Television|Television]]** [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Video games|Video games]]* [[Wikipedia:Article titles|Article titles]] for:  ** [[Wikipedia:Naming conventions (books)|Books]]** [[Wikipedia:Naming conventions (comics)|Comics]]** [[Wikipedia:Naming conventions (films)|Films]]** [[Wikipedia:Naming conventions (television)|TV]]** [[Wikipedia:Naming conventions (video games)|Video games]]* [[Wikipedia:Essays|Wikipedia Essays]] on:** [[Wikipedia:Fancruft]]** [[Wikipedia:Writing better articles]]** [[Wikipedia:How to write a plot summary]]** [[Wikipedia:How to streamline a plot summary]]** [[Wikipedia:Naming character articles]]** [[Wikipedia:Notability (fiction)]]** [[Wikipedia:Plot-only description of fictional works]]=== Related wikiprojects ===These are some of the larger [[Wikipedia:WikiProject|wikiprojects]] that deal with fiction material. They may have additional [[WP:PROJPAGE|suggestions]], article templates and styles with which you might wish to make yourself familiar.* [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Anime and manga|WikiProject Anime and manga]]* [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Books|WikiProject Books]]** [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Children's literature|WikiProject Children's literature]]** [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics|WikiProject Comics]]** [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Novels|WikiProject Novels]]* [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Film|WikiProject Film]]* [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Television|WikiProject Television]]* [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Video games|WikiProject Video games]]There are also numerous genre-specific and even franchise-specific wikiprojects; see [[WP:WikiProject Council]] for listings.[[Category:Wikipedia Manual of Style (arts)|Writing about fiction]][[Category:Wikipedia how-to|Manual of Style (writing about fiction)]][[Category:Fiction Wikipedia administration|manual of style]]

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