Influence in literature refers to the ways in which authors, texts, and cultural contexts shape each other's ideas and styles. Writers often draw inspiration from previous works, leading to the development of new genres, themes, and narrative techniques. For example, the influence of Shakespeare can be seen in countless plays and novels that explore complex characters and moral dilemmas. Additionally, literary movements, such as Romanticism or Modernism, reflect the social and political climates of their times, impacting how stories are told. Influential authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce challenged traditional narrative forms, paving the way for future writers to experiment with structure and perspective.