What does 'metafiction' refer to in literary terms?

Metafiction is a literary technique that involves self-reference and commentary on the nature of storytelling itself. When a narrative is metafictional, it often draws attention to its own processes and conventions, prompting readers to reflect on the mechanism of the narrative and the act of writing. This can take various forms, such as characters who are aware they are in a story, direct addresses to the reader, or explorations of the boundaries between fiction and reality. By questioning how stories are constructed and what it means to engage with them, metafiction invites readers to examine their own relationships with narratives.

In contrast, the other options touch on different aspects of storytelling but do not encapsulate the core idea of metafiction. A narrative with a strong moral lesson focuses on imparting a particular message, while critiques of an author's personal life are more biographical in nature. A simple plot designed for children typically prioritizes straightforward storytelling and themes suitable for a younger audience, rather than engaging in a discourse about the nature of storytelling itself.