Metafiction is a form of literature that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction. It often highlights the artificiality of storytelling, making readers aware that they are engaging with a constructed narrative. This can include commentary on the writing process, the role of the author, or the relationship between fiction and reality. Common techniques in metafiction include breaking the fourth wall, where characters speak directly to the reader, or incorporating elements like footnotes and authorial asides. Notable examples of metafiction can be found in works by authors such as Jorge Luis Borges and Italo Calvino, who explore the boundaries of narrative and reality.