A picaresque novel is a genre of fiction that follows the adventures of a roguish protagonist, often of low social class, who lives by their wits in a corrupt society. These stories typically feature a series of loosely connected episodes, highlighting the character's encounters with various people and situations. The term "picaresque" comes from the Spanish word "pícaro," meaning "rogue" or "rascal." Classic examples include Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. These novels often provide social commentary, revealing the flaws and absurdities of society through the eyes of the clever, often humorous, main character.