"Hard-Boiled" is a subgenre of crime fiction characterized by its tough, unsentimental protagonists and a gritty, realistic portrayal of violence and crime. This style often features a private detective or an anti-hero navigating a corrupt world, facing moral dilemmas and personal challenges. The narrative typically includes sharp dialogue and a fast-paced plot. The term is closely associated with writers like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, who popularized the style in the early 20th century. Their works often explore themes of betrayal, justice, and the darker aspects of human nature, influencing countless films and novels in the detective genre.