Are the events and characters in Three Kingdoms fictional?

"Romance of the Three Kingdoms," authored by Luo Guanzhong during the Ming Dynasty, is a literary masterpiece that has become an integral part of Chinese culture. While it is based on the historical events of the Three Kingdoms period in ancient China (approximately 220-280 AD), there are significant differences between the novel and actual historical accounts.

One of the primary distinctions lies in the narrative style and the portrayal of characters. Luo Guanzhong's work is a blend of history and fiction, where he dramatizes events and exaggerates the characteristics of key figures to create compelling storytelling. As a result, some characters in the novel are portrayed as larger-than-life heroes or villains, while their historical counterparts may have been more nuanced. For example, the novel paints Cao Cao as a cunning and ruthless strategist, while historical records suggest he was a complex and multifaceted leader.

Another notable difference is the omission or alteration of historical events. Luo Guanzhong selected specific episodes from the vast historical record to fit his narrative and moral themes. This means that many events and battles are presented differently in the novel compared to how they occurred in reality.

Additionally, the novel reflects the values and ideals of the Ming Dynasty, which was centuries removed from the Three Kingdoms period. This temporal gap results in anachronisms, where Ming-era customs, attitudes, and governance systems are projected onto the ancient setting. These anachronisms can lead to inaccuracies in the depiction of daily life, politics, and warfare.

While "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is not a factual historical account, it remains a treasured piece of literature that captures the essence of the era and the timeless themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power. To understand the actual history of the Three Kingdoms period, historians rely on historical texts, archaeological findings, and academic research, which provide a more accurate and nuanced picture of the times, even if it lacks the dramatic flair of the novel. Ultimately, the novel and history are distinct but interconnected realms that continue to fascinate readers and scholars alike.