novel within a novel

A "novel within a novel" is a literary device where a story contains another complete or partial story embedded inside it. Think of it as a book about a character who writes or reads a different story, which then becomes part of the main narrative. This technique adds layers of meaning, perspective, or commentary, inviting readers to explore multiple themes simultaneously. It often serves to deepen understanding of characters or themes, and can create a richer, more complex reading experience by blurring the lines between reality and fiction.