"The present hardly exists, after all-it becomes the past even as it happens. A tricky medium, time - and central to the concerns of fiction"

This quote by Penelope Lively speaks with the idea that time is a challenging idea. Today is short lived, as it is continuously becoming the past. This concept is main to the issues of fiction, as authors typically check out the idea of time and how it affects the characters and plot. Time can be used to create suspense, as readers are left wondering what will take place next. It can also be used to explore the concept of fond memories, as characters review the past and assess how it has actually shaped them. Time can also be utilized to explore the idea of fate, as characters are frequently left questioning if their future is predetermined. Ultimately, time is a powerful tool in fiction, and Penelope Lively's quote speaks to its importance.