Here's how fiction achieves that:
* Building a Consistent World: A strong foundation is crucial. The impossible is more believable when it fits within a well-defined world with its own rules, logic, and history.
* Example: Harry Potter's magic isn't just random. It operates within a complex system of spells, potions, and creatures. This consistency makes the magical world seem real, even if it's based on fantasy.
* Suspension of Disbelief: We're willing to accept the impossible if the story compels us emotionally. Good storytelling creates a sense of immersion, making us temporarily forget our own world and accept the fictional one.
* Example: We might not believe a dog can talk, but we're invested in the emotional journey of a talking dog in "Lassie Come Home." The story's power makes us suspend disbelief.
* Character-Driven Storytelling: When we care about the characters, we're more likely to accept their incredible circumstances.
* Example: A story about a superhero might sound unbelievable at first, but if the hero is relatable and struggling with real emotions, we connect with them and their powers become less jarring.
* Realistic Details: Even in fantastical fiction, grounding the unbelievable with realistic details can make it more believable.
* Example: In "Lord of the Rings," Tolkien describes the landscapes, cultures, and everyday life of Middle-earth in such detail that it feels real, even with its mythical creatures and magic.
* Internal Logic: Even if a concept is impossible in our world, the fiction needs to have a clear and consistent logic within its own universe.
* Example: In "Star Trek," warp drive is impossible in our world, but the series establishes clear rules for its operation, making it believable within the context of the story.
Examples of Fiction That Makes the Unbelievable Believable:
* "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien: Epic fantasy that feels real due to its detailed world-building and compelling characters.
* "Harry Potter" by J.K. Rowling: Magic is believable because it has its own internal logic and rules.
* "Dune" by Frank Herbert: A vast and complex world with believable political intrigue and environmental concerns, despite its fantastical elements.
* "The Martian" by Andy Weir: A realistic portrayal of a stranded astronaut's struggle for survival on Mars, despite the seemingly impossible situation.
Remember, even the most outlandish fiction needs to have some foundation in believability to truly capture our imagination.