Downtown fiction often explores:
* The lives of people living in urban centers: This could include diverse characters like artists, musicians, professionals, working-class individuals, and marginalized communities.
* The complexities of city life: Issues like poverty, homelessness, gentrification, social inequality, and the search for identity are often explored.
* The cultural and social landscape of the city: The stories often incorporate the city's unique atmosphere, architecture, nightlife, and subcultures.
Notable authors associated with downtown fiction include:
* Jay McInerney: Known for his novels "Bright Lights, Big City" and "Ransom," which portray the fast-paced and hedonistic lives of young professionals in New York City.
* Bret Easton Ellis: His novel "Less Than Zero" is a bleak portrayal of the lives of affluent teenagers in Los Angeles.
* Tama Janowitz: Her short stories and novels, such as "Slaves of New York," capture the anxieties and struggles of young people living in New York City.
* David Foster Wallace: While not strictly a "downtown" writer, his novel "Infinite Jest" delves into the complexities of suburban life and addiction, often set in the backdrop of urban environments.
Rather than a single protagonist, downtown fiction often features a collective of characters who embody different aspects of urban life and engage with its challenges and opportunities. It's more about the experience of the city itself than an individual's journey.