Novel: A work of fictional prose with a complex plot that is usually divided into chapters Novella: A short novel, longer than a short story but shorter than a typical novel Graphic Novel: An illustrated novel or elaborate comic Drama/Play: A story written to be acted out through scene directions and character dialogue Short Story: A short work of prose fiction Poem (Epic, Ballad, Haiku, Sonnet, Free Verse, Blank Verse, etc.): Writing in verse or stanzas, often using rhythm, meter and rhyme to achieve desired effect

Fiction: Includes science fiction, mystery, crime/detective, political intrigue/war, utopian/dystopian, historical, suspense/thriller, horror, romance, realistic, etc. Fable: A very short story written to convey a message or lesson to its reader, often using animals as the main characters. Aesop is the most famous writer of fables Fairy Tale: A story, generally written for children, that includes elements of magic,including witches, fairies, and other magical creatures. It often contains common elements such as “Once” or Once upon a time”, and “Happily ever after” Fantasy: Stories that require the suspension of disbelief. In other words, they feature characters and events that are not plausible or realistic (i.e. Wind in the Willows)

Myth/Legend/Folklore: Stories that were originally passed down through oral tradition. They may be partly based on real people or events but are often exaggerated to magnify the power and achievement of heroes, gods, etc. Non-Fiction: Biography, Autobiography, Text/Reference, True Crime, Historical, Essay (persuasive, editorial, etc.) Satire: The use of humor, irony and/or exaggeration to mock, ridicule or parody someone/something. Example: Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal or Scary Movie. Allegory: A story that takes a metaphorical approach to illustrate real life lessons, traditions, etc. (often comments on relational, political and societal issues). It is an extended metaphor carried on throughout a story (e.g. The Wind in the Willows, Animal Farm, Harry Potter, etc.). Comedy/Tragedy/Seriocomedy or Tradicomedy (all of the above may contain one or more of these approaches/mood elements).

Symbolism: Something that stands for or symbolizes something or someone Metaphor/Simile: A comparison of two (often very different) things as a way of illustrating a point (similes use like or as) Foreshadowing: Use of dialogue, action or symbolism to hint at a future event or development Flashback: A recalled memory or event from the past that provides a better understanding of a current situation and/or character Dialogue: Use of character discussion/conversation in a story to develop conflict, relationships, etc. Rhyme/Rhythm/Alliteration/Metered Patterns, etc: Poetic devices designed to enhance the flow or reading of a poem, story, etc.