Picaresque literature is a genre that follows the adventures of a roguish hero, often of low social class, who lives by their wits in a corrupt society. These stories typically feature a series of episodic adventures, showcasing the protagonist's cleverness and resilience as they navigate various challenges and encounters with different characters. The term "picaresque" comes from the Spanish word "pícaro," meaning "rogue" or "rascal." Classic examples of picaresque novels include Lazarillo de Tormes and Don Quixote, which highlight themes of social criticism and the struggles of the individual against societal norms.