Noire is a genre of fiction that emphasizes moral ambiguity and complex characters, often set in urban environments. It typically features a protagonist who navigates a world filled with crime, corruption, and betrayal, reflecting the darker aspects of human nature. The term is often associated with film noir, a cinematic style from the 1940s and 1950s characterized by its use of shadowy visuals and cynical storytelling. In literature, noir fiction explores similar themes, often focusing on antiheroes and the consequences of their choices in a gritty, realistic setting.