Space opera
Space opera is a science fiction genre that features a story with "operatic" size and scope. The setting itself may be vast, as in a Galaxy!!!. The characters are also likely larger-than-life, as are their adventures.
The term was originally simply a term for cheesy SF set in space, largely adventure fiction and associated with the pulps (1920s-1940s). However the term and the genre have been reclaimed. Typical works include E. E. "Doc" Smith's The Skylark of Space and Lensman series. "Star Wars" is a classic space opera. Modernly, writers of interest include M. John Harrison, C. J. Cherryh (Alliance-Union series and Foreigner series), Iain M. Banks, Catherine Asaro's Skolian Empire series, David Weber (Honor Harrington series), and Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga. C. S. Friedman's In Conquest Born is a popular modern space opera.
Space opera is related to:
References
- David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer, "How Shit Became Shinola: Definition and Redefinition of Space Opera"