What term refers to the representation of someone or something as existing outside their proper time?

The term that refers to the representation of someone or something as existing outside their proper time is "anachronism." An anachronism occurs when an object, event, or person is placed in a time period where it does not belong, often leading to misinterpretations or humorous outcomes. This concept is frequently encountered in literature, film, and art, where characters or elements are depicted in a setting that is historically inaccurate or anachronistic, highlighting discrepancies between different time periods.

For instance, if a movie set in the medieval era features a character using a smartphone, this would be considered an anachronism because smartphones did not exist during that time. Understanding anachronisms helps to analyze how they can affect the audience's perception and the overall narrative context.

Other terms like "time warp," "chronicle," and "time lapse" refer to different concepts related to the manipulation of time but do not specifically address the idea of misplacement in a historical context. This distinction solidifies why anachronism is the most appropriate term for this scenario.