本文的撰寫，起因於協助編纂《中國歷代筆記故事類型索引》一書，在資料翻閱之餘，藉著其中較熟悉的明代筆記故事為題，依序就生活故事、幻想故事、宗教神仙、動物故事與笑話之類，討論其中常見的故事類別與類型，試著探究故事流傳過程顯現的傳統與新意。而單就類別而言，生活故事、幻想故事、宗教神仙故事是延續舊有故事題材為多，笑話在明代則增加了不少。在變化與創新中，明代傳述的故事，較常展現自覺、自主的精神。
The writing of this article has its roots in my assistance in editing ＂The Type-Index of Chinese Folktales recorded Before 1911＂. In the process of literary research, I used the familiar notes stories from the Ming Dynasty to chronologically detail life stories, fantasies, religious tales, animal tales, and comedies. The genres and categories of these stories are discussed to explore both the traditional and innovative ideas that are passed when stories are circulated. Regarding the different categories, life stories, fantasies, and religious tales usually involve the extension of established topics, while the rise of comedies can be witnessed in the Ming dynasty. As for change and new creations in the Ming Dynasty, there was a pattern of expression in the spirits of self-awareness and autonomy.
