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A Study on the Narrative Strategies of Alphatart's Web Novels

  • Journal of Popular Narrative
  • 2025, 31(2), pp.297~326
  • Publisher : The Association of Popular Narrative
  • Research Area : Interdisciplinary Studies > Interdisciplinary Research
  • Received : April 30, 2025
  • Accepted : June 18, 2025
  • Published : June 30, 2025

Moon Eun Hye 1

1경성대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to conduct an in-depth examination of the narrative characteristics of Alphatart, one of the leading authors in the web novel market, by analyzing them across three layers, which are the character, the plot, and the web novels. This study further explores how Alphatart negotiates gender sensitivity and popular narrative norms, while reconfiguring the conventions of genre narrative. The protagonist is positioned within the structure of a ‘Daughters engaged in self-legitimation’ occupying the unique role of a ‘A younger sister with an older brother.’ She struggles to break free from the shadow of power represented by her brother, competing against him throughout her journey. Unlike her brother, who inherits power naturally by birthright, she must strive for independence through her own efforts. Her narrative follows a trajectory of trials and competition, culminating in her growth into a self-actualizing woman, as reflected in the post-‘feminism reboot’ discourse. In addition, Alphatart commonly employs both the technique of prolepsis and the strategy of narrative repetition. Through prolepsis, a provocative event is presented first, followed by a gradual exposition of the preceding context, thereby sustaining the reader’s curiosity until the event reaches its resolution. Narrative repetition, in turn, enables readers to reinterpret the significance of events differently from their initial understanding and fosters greater empathy with the protagonist’s psychological development. Illustrations play a significant role in making web novels a ‘visual’ experience. By visually depicting the atmosphere of the work and the characteristics of its figures, illustrations enhance readers’ anticipation and immersion. The illustrations produced through the collaboration between Alphatart and Chirun are characterized by a lavish and delicate style that combines painterly realism with classical ornamentation. This aesthetic not only fulfills the visual expectations of the romance fantasy genre but also serves to highlight the female-centered narrative structure. Alphatart’s narrative strategy integrates character construction, plot structure, and the visual strategies of web novels to expand the aesthetic and generic norms of the romance fantasy genre, while deeply reflecting the desires and gender sensibilities of contemporary female readers. The significance of this study lies in identifying Alphatart not merely as a popular author within the romance fantasy domain, but as a narrative designer who proposes new possibilities through subversion and innovation within the genre itself.

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