Genres

Definition a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content Knowing genre characteristics helps us to recognize the author’s purpose

Fiction Fiction is the class of literature made up of works whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact. Fiction consists of narration invented by the imagination. Common types of fiction include short stories and novels.

Short Stories Writing style: prose narrative Form: shorter and less complex than other pieces, usually under 10,000 words. Content: varies widely, see next

Adventure/Action Hero moves toward goal while opposing force places obstacles in his path Hero tests strength and wit against opponent Hero is realistic, courageous, resourceful, strong, intuitive, sympathetic, and empathetic

Mystery Crime against person, place, object Witnesses (they may lie) Suspects Physiological motive Clues, evidence Chase (actual or against the clock) Intellectual and challenging

Romance Woman protagonist Romantic setting Alone except foils 1st meeting is significant Physical attraction Must be a test

Science Fiction/Fantasy Physical realism Well developed world/time period/ characters Strong definition of forces that be (magic) Well developed plot/conflict Don’t over gadget-ize Invent new without conflict

Horror Hero engages in test of wits/strength Foe is inhuman, cruel, less reasonable, unexplainable, uncontrollable, unpredictable, and immoral Hero is always righteous Disgust, fear, darkness

Fairytale Special beginning or ending words Good character Evil character Royalty and/or castle Magic Problem and solution Presence of threes or sevens

Try it out! Use the genre notes to help you create a fabulous Barbie/Action figure of a protagonist for one of the plot lines Give detailed descriptions of the doll and accessories and be school appropriate Write a 5-7 sentence rationale explaining who your doll would best be marketed for and why