In-world glossary

Also called

diegetic dictionary

IntermediateWorldbuilding & expositionReference

Fictional reference text inside the story — not this hub glossary.

An in-world glossary is diegetic reference text — appendix material characters could own, like a ship's manual or field guide. It delivers lore from inside the fiction.

This Resources hub glossary is *craft* vocabulary for writers. The two serve different readers and should not be conflated in planning notes.

Why it matters

Canon stance fields distinguish meta craft docs from manuscript appendix — avoids polluting reader immersion plans.

Common pitfalls

Dumping craft essays into an in-world appendix voice.
In-world glossary entries with no story reason to exist.
Confusing Aetia's craft glossary with diegetic text.

Example only

Readers feel in-world glossary when stakes tighten after the ally refuses to help.

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In-world glossary

Also called

diegetic dictionary

IntermediateWorldbuilding & expositionReference

Fictional reference text inside the story — not this hub glossary.

An in-world glossary is diegetic reference text — appendix material characters could own, like a ship's manual or field guide. It delivers lore from inside the fiction.

This Resources hub glossary is *craft* vocabulary for writers. The two serve different readers and should not be conflated in planning notes.

Why it matters

Canon stance fields distinguish meta craft docs from manuscript appendix — avoids polluting reader immersion plans.

Common pitfalls

Dumping craft essays into an in-world appendix voice.
In-world glossary entries with no story reason to exist.
Confusing Aetia's craft glossary with diegetic text.

Example only

Readers feel in-world glossary when stakes tighten after the ally refuses to help.