Bildungsroman

What is a Bildungsroman? A bildungsroman (German for "novel of formation" or "education") is a literary genre that follows a protagonist's development from youth to maturity, focusing on their moral, psychological, and spiritual growth as they navigate challenges and learn their place in the world. Key elements include an initial loss or discontent that sparks the journey, life-altering experiences that test the character, and the eventual attainment of wisdom or self-understanding, often involving a loss of innocence. Famous examples include Jane Eyre, The Catcher in the Rye, and Great Expectations.

Via: The Daily Laws