Finance fiction, often shortened to “finance fic,” is a genre of literature and film that centers on themes related to money, markets, and the financial world. It explores the complexities of wealth, power, risk, and ethics within the realm of finance. While not always strictly realistic, it uses the backdrop of Wall Street, corporations, hedge funds, or personal finance to tell compelling stories about human ambition, greed, and the consequences of financial decisions.
Several key characteristics define finance fic. First, it requires a strong grounding in financial concepts. The narrative frequently involves terms like derivatives, leverage, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs), and insider trading. While not always necessary for understanding the plot, familiarity with these terms enhances the reading or viewing experience.
Second, compelling characters are crucial. Finance fic often features ambitious individuals driven by the pursuit of wealth and success. These characters may be ruthless traders, brilliant analysts, or struggling entrepreneurs. Their personalities and moral compasses are tested as they navigate the high-stakes world of finance.
Third, moral ambiguity is frequently present. The line between right and wrong is often blurred in finance fic. Characters may engage in questionable practices to achieve their goals, forcing the audience to confront ethical dilemmas. The genre often explores the corrupting influence of money and power.
Examples of finance fic span various media. In literature, Michael Lewis’s non-fiction works, such as “Liar’s Poker” and “The Big Short,” which detail the inner workings of Wall Street, often blur the line between fact and fiction due to their compelling narratives and colorful characters. Fiction novels like “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis, while extreme, touch upon the superficiality and moral decay sometimes associated with wealth and corporate culture.
In film, “Wall Street” (1987) starring Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko is a classic example, exploring the themes of greed and insider trading. “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) provides a darkly comedic and exaggerated look at the excesses of the financial industry. “Margin Call” (2011) offers a more dramatic and introspective portrayal of the 2008 financial crisis.
Finance fic serves multiple purposes. It can entertain, educate, and provoke thought. It can offer insights into the complexities of the financial world, raise awareness of ethical issues, and provide a cautionary tale about the pursuit of wealth at all costs. It also provides a dramatic stage for exploring universal themes of ambition, power, and the human condition.
Ultimately, finance fic provides a window into a world that is often shrouded in secrecy and complexity. By exploring the lives and decisions of those who operate within it, it offers a compelling and often unsettling reflection of our own society’s values and priorities.