Exploring Non-Anthropomorphic Fiction: From Charles de Lint to Flatland

When it comes to storytelling, the human form is not always the only option. In the world of fiction, whether in books or films, we find a rich tapestry of themes and genres where characters are not humans but rather other beings or creatures. This article delves into some works of fiction that feature non-anthropomorphic and non-human characters, from the acclaimed author Charles de Lint to the timeless classic Flatland.

Fictional Worlds with Non-Human Characters

Charles de Lint is recognized for his unique style of fiction that includes anthropomorphic characters. However, his characters, such as those found in Numena and Aedar, are not fully human; they can look human from the outside but possess otherworldly traits that set them apart.

Laurell K. Hamilton's works also feature non-human characters, like the vampires and fairies in her series. These beings, although awe-inspiring, do not belong to the same species as humans, making them intriguing and complex characters in their own right.

Unique and Unconventional Fiction

Our exploration takes us beyond the realms of well-known authors to delve into some uniquely unconventional works of fiction. Here are a few series that feature non-anthropomorphic and non-human characters:

The Chronicles of a Royal Pet: A Princess and an Ooze - This series centers around a sentient slime and a royal princess. While the slime can disguise itself, it is not human and possesses magical abilities. Dungeon Born (MC is a Dungeon Core) - In this story, the main character is a dungeon core, a concept that blends fantasy and technology in a unique way. The Snake Report and Threadbare: Golem Racqs - These stories feature a man reincarnated as a snake and a sentient toy golem, respectively, both offering a fresh take on the protagonist's identity and abilities. Everybody Loves Large Chests (Mimic) - This series involves a mimic monster that disguises itself as a treasure chest, adding an element of mystery and danger to the narrative.

A Classic in Science Fiction: Flatland

Among the classic works that feature non-anthropomorphic characters, Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions stands out as a groundbreaking story. In this novel, written by Edwin A. Abbott in 1884, the characters are geometric shapes instead of humans. Men are represented by squares, and women are depicted as straight lines. This unique approach to narration has left a lasting impact on science fiction and mathematical literature.

Abbott's work is a delightful and unique satire that explores the concept of multiple dimensions. The narrative follows the journey of a character named A. Square, a mathematician in a two-dimensional world called Flatland. Through strange occurrences, Square encounters geometric shapes from different dimensions, including Spaceland (three dimensions), Lineland (one dimension), and even a four-dimensional realm that he can only imagine.

The Flatland illustrations by the author itself are a fascinating aspect of the book. The visual representations of geometric shapes in various dimensions add an extra layer of intrigue and understanding to the narrative. This book is not only a delightful read but also an excellent introduction to the concept of multiple dimensions in space.

Conclusion

The world of fiction is vast and ever-evolving, offering a diverse array of stories beyond traditional human characters. From the works of Charles de Lint and Laurell K. Hamilton to the timeless classic Flatland, these non-anthropomorphic and non-human characters bring a unique perspective to storytelling. Whether it's the magical realms of Numena or the geometric adventures of Flatland, these stories showcase the boundless creativity and imaginative power of human authors.