Is there a word/phrase to describe fiction where the events, behaviours and the worldbuilding "make sense"? [closed]
When the rules of behaviour as defined by the author are consistently adhered to, the writing in the work of fiction is coherent (it may not be realistic, matching everyday life exactly).
coherent [adjective] C2
- If an argument, set of ideas, or a plan is coherent, it is clear and carefully considered, and each part of it connects or follows in a natural or reasonable way.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
I can't resist adding the not-quite-so-relevant sense here:
- If someone is coherent, you can understand what that person says.
A story that is realistic within its own world has internal consistency:
A story is made up of multiple components, and it has internal consistency when all of these components operate and abide by the rules and logic that govern the world the story is set in. In other words, internal consistency in a story refers to how closely the components of a story adhere to the rules and logic set out by the story itself. — The importance of Internal Consistency
It’s a phrase that comes up a lot in these types of discussions:
- It’s OK to whinge about the internal consistency of Sci-Fi shows
- The Importance of Internal Consistency in Story Telling
- Why Good Writing Matters: Internal Consistency