A literary universe refers to a fictional world created by an author or a group of authors, where characters, settings, and events are interconnected across multiple works. This concept allows for a rich exploration of themes and narratives, as seen in the works of J.K. Rowling with the Harry Potter series or J.R.R. Tolkien with Middle-earth. These universes can expand through sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, creating a cohesive backdrop for storytelling. Fans often engage deeply with these worlds, analyzing lore and character relationships, as seen in franchises like Marvel Comics or Star Wars, which have developed extensive narratives over time.