Fantasy Tropes: Urban Fantasy

From my MLA 2012 Fantasy presentation

Urban Fantasy  

·       Fantasy in which magical beings live alongside humans in a recognizable contemporary urban environment. Most humans may or may not be aware of it.

·       Contemporary and urban – To a fantasy reader they are, somewhat jarringly, set in the here and now. Even though fantasy stories have often been set in cities in past time periods, the contrast between the reality we experience and what the characters are experiencing is one of the defining characteristics of Urban Fantasy. Magic entering into and disrupting our urban environment. 

·       Magic and technology work side by side. A potential source of conflict.  For example many of the fae are traditionally unable to tolerate cold iron, which is how humanity gets one up on them.  How do the fae deal with living in a modern city?

·       Authors have fun figuring out how different magical species could operate, often covertly, in our world.  How would they blend in? How would they be revealed?  What would the results be?  

·       Can be very, very set in the landscape and environment. Minute description of the contemporary environment – naming local landmarks, for instance – help with the sense of disconnect for the reader.  What do you mean Minnehaha Park is the battleground for the fae? (War for the Oaks, Emma Bull)

·       Often violent – Humans are not necessarily the apex predator anymore and this causes conflict.  Either humans are trying to keep the supernatural in check – (Anita Blake, vampire hunter) – or the supernaturals are policing their own for their own self-interest – trying staying hidden or as nonthreatening as possible.  (Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs)

·       A lot of very strong women protagonists who do what they have to do.  Authors are able to create roles for their women characters that defy or subvert traditional gender roles because they’re dealing with an “other” Earth. Watching the authors and characters figure out romance is … interesting, and sometimes a little uncomfortable making, especially when they involve the rules of magical societies. (Enchantment Emporium by Tanya Huff)

·       Tend to not soften the realities of magical beings’ cultures/necessities – vampires drink blood and werewolves spend part of the time being wolves – and what those imply for everyday life. 

·       Protagonists often up against beings or situations that are stronger than they are. (Seanan McGuire – Discount Armageddon.  In Cryptid series.)

·       Often tough humor thrown in. (Dresden Files by Jim Butcher)