/lit/ - Literature

>>22639795
>A framing device where characters are introduced that are barely related to the story and exist after the story has happened and then they sort of go backwards and recount it to the reader. Maybe that was a cool thing in 19th lit. I haven't read enough to know.
Seems to have been, now that you mention it. I can think of a number of titles that have that. Off the top of my head A Hero Of Our Times, Kreuzersonata, lots by Turgenjew...
At least in Kreuzersonata it was somewhat relevant to the story as the old man reflected on his deeds. I think it's not bad per se but often badly implemented.