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epistolary
01
(literature) relating to a form of work that uses letters or written documents as the primary mode of communication among fictional characters
Grammatical Information
Composition
Compound
relational
ungradable
Examples
Epistolary novels like Dracula brought the epistle format to broader audiences through fictitious correspondence between characters.
Epistolary
01
a literary work, typically a novel, composed as a sequence of documents such as letters, diary entries, or other personal writings
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
epistolaries
What is an "epistolary"?
An epistolary is a novel that is written as a series of letters, diary entries, emails, or other forms of correspondence. This style allows the story to unfold through the personal reflections and communications of its characters. The format provides a direct insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions and can create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
Examples
Dracula is partly an epistolary, using letters and journal entries to tell the story.
