Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.3, 2023

On the Stylistic Innovation of Chinese Spy Fiction Featuring Heroic Legends

(Abstract)

Liu Yueyue

Since the 21st century, Chinese spy fiction has been spectacular. This type of fiction clearly inherits and innovates the stylistic features of heroic legends in classical Chinese fiction, which can be referred to as spy fiction featuring heroic legends. In terms of character creation, while inheriting the portrayal of “supernatural powers” and “devotion to family and country” found in classical heroic legends, this type of fiction strives to create solitary heroes, highlighting the professional features of the spy alongside an aesthetic style of promoting wisdom. The plot structure incorporates elements of detective fiction, chivalry fiction, and Western suspense fiction, and introduces innovations concerning the introduction of multiple forces and the grafting of romance and politics.