Picaresque (adjective)

Relating to a genre of fiction involving a roguish hero or heroine who goes on a series of adventures.

Origin:

Derived from the spanish word 'picaro' meaning 'rogue', 'picaresque' refers to the genre of fiction that involves a roguish hero or heroine who goes on a series of adventures.

Examples:

1. The picaresque novel 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain follows the journey of a young boy down the Mississippi River.
2. The picaresque hero is often portrayed as a witty, cunning and street-smart character who survives by their wits.
3. The picaresque genre originated in Spain in the 16th century and became popular throughout Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.
4. The picaresque style is characterized by its episodic structure, its focus on the adventures of a single central character, and its humorous and often irreverent tone.
5. Many contemporary novels can be considered picaresque, as they follow the journey of a central character through a series of adventures and misadventures.