Literary Genres A Genre is a division or

Literary Genres

A Genre is a division or category of literature.

Genre There are many categories of stories and books Here are some of the common ones: Major Genres Sub Genres: Short Stories Folktales Novels Myths Plays Parables Biographies Fables Autobiographies Science Fiction

Major Genres

Poetry n Emphasizes the line as a unit of composition n page format may look different than other books n may have rhythm (beat) n may rhyme n tells a story in verse

Short Stories n A brief fictional narrative in prose. n Includes plot, characters, setting, point of view and theme.

Novels n a book length fictional prose narrative. n Much longer, therefore much more in-depth than a short story.

Plays (Drama) n A story usually performed by actors on stage or before cameras. n Most can be divided into tragedy or comedy. n Includes lines of dialogue and stage directions

Biographies n The account of a person’s life written by someone else. (not the subject. ) n Can be short or book length. n Nonfiction n Can be authorized or unauthorized

Autobiographies n The story of a person’s life written by that person. n Can be short or book length. n Nonfiction

Sub-genres

Folktales n An anonymous, traditional story passed down orally long before being written down. n The author is usually anonymous (unknown) n Sometimes folktales explain the origins of things.

Myths n A Traditional story that deals with gods, goddesses, heroes, and supernatural events. n The most well-known myths are ancient Greek and Roman myths

Fables n A short, usually simple tale that teaches a moral and sometimes uses animal characters. n Themes and lessons are usually stated outright.

Parables n A parable is a story in prose or verse that is told to illustrate a religious, moral, or philosophical idea. n It differs from the fable by excluding animals that assume speech and other powers of humankind, as in Aesop's Fables.

Science Fiction n Fiction dealing with the impact of real science or imaginary superscience on human or alien societies of the past, present, or future.

Mystery/Suspense n Fiction that involves a feeling of curiosity, uncertainty, or even dread about what is going to happen next.

Fantasy n Fantasy is a type of fiction that is highly imaginative and portrays events, places/settings for characters that are imaginary/unrealistic n Nonexistent world n Plot may have magic or supernatural n Characters may have superhuman powers

Adventure n An adventure story is a literary work in which action is the main event element. n Adventure novel usually focuses on a main character who is on a mission and is facing many challenges and choices.