Literary Genres ~ a kind of literary or artistic work
Literary Genres are divided into two categories: Fiction Nonfiction
Fiction Genre Stories that are not based entirely upon facts.
Drama Stories that are written with a lot of conflict and emotion. Often dramas are written specifically for theatrical performances.
Fable Stories that are a supernatural tale. These stories usually teach a lesson or tell of a truth. Often times in a fable, animals will speak as humans.
Fairy Tale Stories about magical creatures usually written for children.
Fantasy Fiction stories that are written with strange settings and/or characters. These stories challenge reality.
Fiction Stories that are written through imagination and which are not based on facts.
Folklore Stories, songs, myths, or proverbs that are handed down from generation to generation usually by word of mouth
Historical Fiction Stories with fictional events and characters that take place in a historical setting.
Horror Fiction stories that are written to fill the reader with dread and fear.
Humor Fiction stories that are full of fun and excitement. These stories are meant to entertain the reader. Humor can be contained in all genres.
Legend Stories that have a basis and can contain some facts, but also include imaginative material.
Mystery Fiction stories that deal with solving a mystery or a crime. It can also be a story in which secrets are unraveled.
Mythology Stories that are often based on historical events in which human behavior and natural phenomena are explained through symbolism. Often these are pertaining to the actions of gods.
Poetry Verse and rhythmic writing with imagery that creates emotional responses.
Realistic Fiction Fiction stories that can actually happen and are true to life.
Science Fiction Fiction stories that are based on actual or imagined science and usually take place on other planets or in the future.
Short Story Stories that are very short and contain no subplots.
Tall Tale Humorous stories with many exaggerations and heroes who do the impossible with little effort.
Nonfiction Genre Stories that are true.
Biography A story about a person’s life or a true story about a real person. A biography is written by another person about another person.
Autobiography Stories that are written about a person’s life or a true story written about a real person. Autobiographies are written by the person the story is about.
Essay A short composition that reflects the author’s outlook or point of view on a topic.
Narrative Nonfiction Factual information told in the form of a story.
Nonfiction Information dealing with an actual, real life story.
Speech A public address