storyworld
Fiction's internal reality
A storyworld is the complete fictional universe in which a narrative takes place—not just the settings shown but the implied geography, history, rules, and inhabitants that extend beyond what's depicted.
The term is common in discussions of transmedia storytelling, where a single storyworld spawns films, games, books, and spin-offs: The Marvel storyworld has expanded across dozens of interconnected properties.
A rich storyworld feels like it exists independently of any particular story set within it.
Supernatural or illusory power
- dragonsMythical fire-breathing reptiles
- elvesMythical small beings
- wizardryPractice of casting spells
- questSeeking journey for something
kingdom · enchantment · sorcery · dwarves · goblins · spellbook · potion · grimoire
Storyline or land parcel
- charactersPersons in a narrative
- worldbuildingConstructing imaginary universes for fiction
- loreTraditional knowledge transmitted orally
- canonAccepted authoritative works
arc · backstory · protagonist · antagonist · setting · conflict · mythology · timeline
Computer-created interactive environment
- simulationImitation of real processes
- interactivityTwo-way user-system engagement
- presenceState of being somewhere
- escapismHabitual mental retreat
atmosphere · environment · augmented reality · avatar · sensory · experience · engagement · exploration
All gods of a religion
- deitiesWorshipped supernatural beings
- creation mythOrigin narrative of existence
- epicImpressively grand in scope
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
legends · heroes · monsters · underworld · afterlife · prophecy · sagas · rituals
Hypothetical set of universes
- dimensionMeasurable extent or scope
- space operaDramatic sci-fi in cosmos
- cyberpunkDystopian tech-noir fiction
- dystopiaImaginary terrible society
alien · extraterrestrial · starship · colony · terraforming · android · cyborg · time travel
magic
Supernatural or illusory power
quest · kingdom · enchantment · sorcery · dwarves · goblins · spellbook · potion · grimoire · amulet
plot
Storyline or land parcel
- charactersPersons in a narrative
- worldbuildingConstructing imaginary universes for fiction
- loreTraditional knowledge transmitted orally
canon · arc · backstory · protagonist · antagonist · setting · conflict · mythology · timeline · continuity
virtual reality
Computer-created interactive environment
- simulationImitation of real processes
- interactivityTwo-way user-system engagement
- presenceState of being somewhere
escapism · atmosphere · environment · augmented reality · avatar · sensory · experience · engagement · exploration · sandbox
pantheon
All gods of a religion
- deitiesWorshipped supernatural beings
- creation mythOrigin narrative of existence
- epicImpressively grand in scope
folklore · legends · heroes · monsters · underworld · afterlife · prophecy · sagas · rituals · cosmology
multiverse
Hypothetical set of universes
- dimensionMeasurable extent or scope
- space operaDramatic sci-fi in cosmos
- cyberpunkDystopian tech-noir fiction
dystopia · alien · extraterrestrial · starship · colony · terraforming · android · cyborg · time travel · parallel universe
- Franchise Mediacinematic universe, expanded universe, extended universe, shared universe, franchise
storyworldreality
What actually exists
real world · physical reality · physical world · actuality · objective reality
story, world, stories, storied, worlds, worldly, unworldly, worldliness, otherworldly