fictional

Not actually real

Fictional describes things that exist only in stories, novels, films, or other creative works rather than in reality.

A fictional character like Sherlock Holmes or a fictional place like Hogwarts is invented by an author for narrative purposes.

The term distinguishes imaginary creations from factual or historical accounts: The movie is based on fictional events, not a true story.

Fictional can also characterize something presented as if real but actually made up: The company's growth projections turned out to be entirely fictional.

fabricated

invented

Created something new

made-upFabricated, not factual
imaginaryExisting only in thought
falseNot matching reality

untrue · fabricated · concocted · feigned · pretend · fake · phony · bogus · contrived · simulated

fantasy

magic

Supernatural or illusory power

wizardryPractice of casting spells
sorceryPractice of dark magic
dragonsMythical fire-breathing reptiles

elves · dwarves · orcs · enchantment · quest · kingdoms · witches · warlocks · spells · realms

mythological

legend

Unverified traditional tale

folkloreInherited cultural narratives
mythologyBody of traditional tales
pantheonAll gods of a religion

gods · goddesses · heroes · titans · nymphs · hydra · minotaur · phoenix · oracle · prophecy

narrative

plot

Storyline or land parcel

charactersPersons in a narrative
storylineSequence of fictional events
protagonistStory's central figure

antagonist · setting · theme · conflict · climax · resolution · narrator · dialogue · arc · backstory

fictional

invented

magic

legend

plot

fictional

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family