Picaresque novels are characterized by:
* A roguish main character: Often from a lower social class, they are cunning, resourceful, and prone to getting into trouble.
* Satirical plots: They use humor and exaggeration to criticize society, its institutions, and human folly.
* Sharp wit: The protagonists are often quick-witted and use their cleverness to navigate difficult situations.
* Episodic structure: The novel unfolds through a series of adventures, often with little overarching plot.
Some famous examples of picaresque novels include:
* "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes
* "Lazarillo de Tormes" by an anonymous author
* "The Adventures of Tom Jones" by Henry Fielding
* "Moll Flanders" by Daniel Defoe
These novels often blend humor, adventure, and social commentary, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.