Literary Genres The term literary genres refers to

Literary Genres The term literary genres refers to grouping literature by category. A category, or kind of story, is a genre.

All categories of books or stories can be called either fiction or non-fiction. Fiction Non-Fiction z a made up story z has facts that can be checked and proven z can tell about things that could happen z the author is an expert on this z is read for fun information z characters may be like z it IS TRUE! real people or imaginary

Genres Other Major Categories • Folktales • Drama • Poetry

Poetry z page format may look different than other books z may have rhythm (beat) z may rhyme z imaginative and creative z uses describing or exciting words z tells a story in verse

Drama z usually for theatrical performance, where conflicts and emotion are expressed through dialogue and action.

Folktales *usually began as part of an oral (spoken) tradition *are more frequently told than read *are passed down from one generation to another *speak to universal and timeless themes. *try to make sense of our existence, *explain the origin of something.

Genre Categories Fiction z Realistic z Fantasy z Mystery z Historical Fiction z Science Fiction z Adventure

Realistic Fiction z z z can be based on a real story characters act like real people character tries to solve a problem story could happen in real life some events are historically accurate character’s feelings and behaviors are like real life

Fantasy z z z animal characters may act like people characters may have special powers characters may be imaginary beings setting may be in another time (future) usually has a good vs. evil conflict may use scientific principles not yet available or discovered

z fiction that includes secrets or crimes to be solved

Historical Fiction z fiction that is set in the past z based on true historical accounts z main characters aren’t real, but there may be famous people from history mentioned

Science Fiction z fiction that deals with science or technology of the future z some of the technology/science may be somewhat believable z the setting is often in outer space or another dimension

Adventure z has elements such as fast-moving action, discoveries of new and exciting things, and moments of danger z usually encounters adversaries that keep the adventurer from a goal; i. e…, nature, human or self

Categories Non Fiction z Informational z Autobiography z Biography

Informational z nonfiction writing about a topic including: books, newspaper, or magazine articles

Informational tells facts that can be looked-up or proven tells about real events characters have really lived may have maps, diagrams and illustrations to explain the facts z author is an expert on the subject z z

Autobiography z nonfiction that is a biography of a person written by himself or herself

Biography z nonfiction that is informational writing about real people.