Literary Genres

Genre: The word genre means type or kind. We use genres as a system to classify books by their common characteristics.

Most Common Genres: FictionInformational Traditional Literature (mythology, folktales, legends) Biography Realistic FictionAutobiography Historical FictionMemoir FantasyNewspaper Article Science FictionEssay, Letters Mystery/Horror/ SuspenseSpeeches Drama/playsReference Graphic NovelMagazine Article

Fantasy In this type of story, the author has created a magical world where anything is possible. Fantasy may include magical beings, talking animals or other impossibilities

Historical Fiction Stories with fictional characters and events in a historical setting. The story takes the reader back to a particular time period where they learn about the everyday life of a person. The character may interact with actual historical characters, but usually, the main character is not based on a real person.

Science Fiction It is important to note that science fiction has a relationship with the principles of science. These stories involve partially true and partially fictitious laws or theories of science.fictitious theories It should not be completely unbelievable, because it then ventures into the genre fantasy.ventures The plot creates situations different from those of both the present day and the known past. Stories based on real or imagined inventions, space travel or life in other worlds, usually set in the future. It often explores the unknown.

Mystery/ Horror & Suspense Horror is fiction in which events evoke a feeling of fright in both the characters and the reader. Mystery is fiction dealing with the solution of a crime or the unraveling of secrets. suspense is fiction when the main character may become aware of danger only gradually. the reader is aware of things unknown to the protagonist. The reader sees the bad guy plant the bomb, and then suffers the suspense of wondering when or if it will explode.

Mystery/ Horror & Suspense The three genres are closely related. In each type, a character is trying to get at the truth of something, or prevent some bad thing from happening.

Realistic Fiction Stories that could actually “happen” in real life. The setting is realistic The characters speak and act like real people The story describes real-life problems and events

Traditional Literature Myths- are early people’s way to explain the universe. Folk tales- are told generation to generation, usually by word of mouth. Legends- are handed down from the past that people tell as a “true story” but sometimes the details are difficult to confirm.

Traditional Literature Myths-Many gods and goddesses are present in myths Folktales-Sometimes different versions in different cultures. Can involve animals, wishes, magic, trickery and often the number 3 Legends- often contain a moral or a lesson and are told to uphold the values of the community. They often involve supernatural or religious elements

Informational All accounts of real people, places and events A biography- is a true story about a person’s life or parts of his/her life Autobiographies- are books that people write about their own life. A Memoir- is a collection of memories that an individual writes about moments or events, both public or private that took place in the subject's life.

Informational Biography- Written in 3 rd person point of view (he or she) Autobiography-Written in 1 st person point of view (I, me, my) Memoir- is written in first person from the author’s point of view. Just a moment in time.

Poetry Anthologies Lines of poetry (verses) are written in stanzas May include patterns of rhyme to capture the reader’s interest, but does not have to follow a rhyme scheme. Uses carefully selected words and phrases (Figurative Language) to create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind

Drama/Plays Drama is a play and is written as an imitation of life.Drama is different from other forms of literature because of its unique characteristics. It is read, but can be performed for theatre, radio, or even television. These plays are usually written out as a script, or a written version of a play that is read by the actors.

Graphic Novel Graphic novels can be of any genre on any topic. They are book-length narratives told using a combination of words and sequential art, often presented in comic book style.

Terms you need to know: Anthology-Is a collection of literary works. It may be a collection of poems, short stories, plays, songs, or excerpts.They are usually collected into a single book. Example your reading literature text book. Novella- A short novel about pages Synopsis- A brief summary of a story usually on the back of the book or inside cover. Blurb- A short description of a book written for promotional purposes to advertise on the cover of the book. Teaser- Is intended to cause curiosity in a book without giving too much information about the plot Spoiler-A person who spoils the book by giving away the ending