Article of the Month
Noblebright vs. Grimdark
In the world of fantasy writing, there are two very distinct camps that cross over between all of the subgenres. The first is the dark side, often known as ‘Grimdark’. Tales in this camp have two basic elements. The world is in decay, bleak and ruined; there is little good remaining, and all hope is lost. Characters of these stories, including the protagonists, are morally gray. These characters act in their own self-interest with little concern for the world as a whole. Their actions are intended to resolve their own personal conflicts to save themselves or someone they care for. These actions can also be quite dark and very similar to those used by the antagonists in the story. They adopt the motto, ‘By whatever means necessary’.
The second camp is known as Noblebright. In these stories, the world is fundamentally optimistic and is considered worth saving. The protagonists are honest, morally sound people with heroic agency. They are fighting to make the world a better place and feel their actions can actually make a difference. The actions of the protagonist are distinctly different from those of the antagonist, often reflecting a touch of chivalry. The two camps could not be further apart.
The term Noblebright originated in the gaming industry but was adopted by the literary world in 2014, mostly concerning the work of C. J. Brightley. Noblebright was seen as the exact opposite of Grimdark and was intended to offer an alternative to people who had grown tired of the ‘doom and gloom’ of the Grimdark genre.
A Grimdark story may end with the protagonist having lost, with evil still controlling the world. In a Noblebright tale, you are far more likely to experience a hopeful, victorious ending. Does this mean a Noblebright story cannot contain evil? No. There must be conflict, to some degree, for there to be any type of drama. If there is no drama, there is, in effect, no story. An example that is often used is that you cannot tell the story of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ without mentioning the Big Bad Wolf. While Red Riding Hood is not a Noblebright story, the logic is sound. The characters must have an obstacle to overcome.
I recently read that one author stated a Noblebright tale could not contain witchcraft, but it could contain magic. The difference: witchcraft is associated with the practitioner making a pact with the devil. Magic, on the other hand, can be considered neutral. This is just one example of the problem with identifying a Noblebright story. How much darkness can be in the story? Can characters die? Can there be sadness? Setbacks? This, like so many other elements of writing, is up to the individual. In my opinion, a Noblebright story can certainly have setbacks, sadness, and loss, but it must be limited. A character may suffer the loss of a loved one, which may serve as their motivation for instigating change or setting out on an adventure/quest. The story cannot end with the character standing by a freshly filled grave mourning their loss. This is not the hopeful, optimistic ending of a Noblebright story.
Since there can at times be a fine line between light and dark, there is a secondary category known as Nobledark. These tales will have more darkness, more suffering than a Noblebright story, but the ending will still be hopeful and optimistic, and the characters will still be morally sound. Whether Noblebright or Nobledark, the sharpest divide between these hopeful genres and Grimdark always comes back to the characters. While we touched on their moral grayness earlier, looking closer at their specific actions reveals how far they will go. These characters may be thieves, assassins, mercenaries, or otherwise evil. They will use means that are normally seen as wrong or immoral. Drug use, torture, and killing without remorse are just a few of the characteristics. These characters will do something wrong, even evil, to attain their goal or overcome their opponent.
Characters in a Noblebright tale are generally morally sound. They are quite often normal people thrust into a situation that will place them in danger. While they must work outside their comfort zone, these characters will not cross the line into darkness. They do not consider it acceptable to stoop to the same level as the bad guys. While they will fight tooth and nail to win and make the world a better place, they will not sacrifice who they are or their core beliefs in right and wrong.
So, which is better? Impossible to say; there are certainly audiences for both. I much prefer a Noblebright/Nobledark story, and that is what I attempt to write. I know a great many people who say, ‘That is not how the world really is.’ No argument; the real world often does not offer an optimistic or hopeful ending. Here is the key for me: I read to escape the real world. I don't want to read a depressing or sad tale, a story where the bad guys win, or even where the morally gray characters win by evil means. I don’t need, or even want, the entire story to be a walk through the roses. I want conflict, danger, obstacles, moral choices, but in the end, I want the good guys to prevail. Not just prevail, but to do so without sacrificing who they are.
Other new articles on the Website:
‘Religion in a Fantasy Novel (world)?’ Link https://www.thethirdkingdom.com/2026/10/religion-in-fantasy-novel-world.html
‘Is there a place for Spice in Fantasy?’ Link https://www.thethirdkingdom.com/2026/10/is-there-place-for-spice-in-fantasy.html
2026 British Fantasy Awards Winners
Best Fantasy Novel – Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods
Best Novella – The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
Best Short Story – Shadow Jack by CL Hellisen
Best Collection – Call and Response by Christopher Caldwell
Best Newcomer – Annabel Campbell for The Outcast Mage
Best Audio (Fiction) The Shape of Monsters by CL Hellisen and Omari Douglas
Reminder
Season 3 of The Rings of Power will broadcast in November. Unlike previous years, Season Three is being released in three batches. On November 11th, episodes 1 – 4 will premiere. On November 18th, episodes 5 – 6 will be available. On November 25th, episodes 7 – 8 will be released.
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Season 3 will premiere on Disney+ on November 20th.
‘Hexed’ – a new fantasy film from Disney will premiere on November 25th.
Fun Fact – Who Is Reading Fantasy
Romantasy’s core audience is women aged 18 to 44, driven in large part by Gen Z and younger Millennials.
Grimdark’s core audience leans heavily toward men, aged 18 to 35
Nobledark’s core audience is about equally split between men and women in their late twenties to late forties.
Noblebright’s core audience in split between men and women over the age of 30. This group reports cynicism fatigue and is looking for something outside of Dark Fantasy.
New Fantasy Releases coming in November 2026
Nov 3 - ‘Captive Traitor King’ by Brigid Kemmerer
Nov 3 - ‘A Glimmer of Death’ by Laurell K. Hamilton
Nov 3 – ‘A Grim Reaper's Guide to Living Twice’ by Maxie Dara
Nov 3 - ‘Witch Hat Atelier: Grimoire Edition 3’ by Kamome Shirahama
Nov 3 - ‘The Last King of Faerie’ by Cassandra Clare
Nov 3 - ‘Defy the Dusk’ by Danielle L. Jensen
Nov 3 - ‘East of Envy’ by Nikki St. Crowe
Nov 5 - ‘Isolde’ by Phoenicia Rogerson
Nov 10 - ‘Queen of Foxes’ by Jennifer Estep
Nov 10 – ‘The Last Star in the Void’ by Melissa Caruso
Nov 10 – ‘Hecate Cavendish and the Angel of Death’ by Paula Brackston
Nov 10 - ‘Lavender and Hemlock’ by Lili Wilkinson
Nov 18 - ‘Death’s Due’ by Seth Ring
Nov 24 - ‘The Fall of the Crowned Knight’ by Amber V. Nicole
