bildungsgroman

A novel whose principal subject is the moral, psychological, and intellectual development of a usually youthful main character.

I was already contemplating my own massive bildungsgroman when I arrived at the hideaway to meet the great man.

by Johanna Nablo September 9, 2005

Bildungsroman

A type of novel which follows the development of a protagonist from childhood (and immaturity) to adulthood and emotional/ mental maturity.

Jane Eyre is a bildungsroman novel.

by abc_xyz January 3, 2009