Genres of Fiction “Genres” is the French word for “Kinds”

Mystery/Horror Romance Adventure/Survival

Realistic Fiction Stories are set in the real world Stories are set in the real world Contains characters who seem believable Contains characters who seem believable The reader believes that the story could “really happen” The reader believes that the story could “really happen”

Contemporary Realistic Fiction Contemporary realistic fiction is realistic fiction that is set in modern times Contemporary realistic fiction is realistic fiction that is set in modern times

Urban Fiction Urban settings Urban settings Most or all of the characters are from minority groups or are poor whites Most or all of the characters are from minority groups or are poor whites Profanity, sex and violence are common Profanity, sex and violence are common Young characters wrestle with large problems, often beyond their control Young characters wrestle with large problems, often beyond their control

Sports Fiction The protagonist plays a sport or wants to play a sport The protagonist plays a sport or wants to play a sport Describes in detail the actions a player takes while playing Describes in detail the actions a player takes while playing Often emphasizes the importance of discipline, good sportsmanship, and the importance of teamwork Often emphasizes the importance of discipline, good sportsmanship, and the importance of teamwork

Historical Fiction Set in times past Set in times past Real historical figures, settings and people may be included Helps us understand what life might have been like during a particular time period Helps us understand what life might have been like during a particular time period

Fantastical Fiction Has elements that are not real, so the reader must suspend belief

Fantasy Conflict between good and evil Conflict between good and evil Takes place in another world, a hidden world, or a “Once upon a time…” Takes place in another world, a hidden world, or a “Once upon a time…” Use of magic Use of magic Animals that can talk or have human characteristics Animals that can talk or have human characteristics

Science Fiction Blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology Always includes an element of science  Outer space  Other planets  Time travel  Aliens  Mutants  Pills for Food, etc.

Mystery Deals with a problem that must be solved or information that is missing Deals with a problem that must be solved or information that is missing Search for clues to solve A mystery Search for clues to solve A mystery Includes clues, distractions, and, eventually, the answer

Horror Intended to scare, unsettle or horrify Intended to scare, unsettle or horrify Often suspenseful, including elements of mystery and survival genres Often suspenseful, including elements of mystery and survival genres A disturbing, supernatural element A disturbing, supernatural element  Hauntings  Possessions  Monsters (either human or other-worldly)

Adventure/Survival Often set in the wild Often set in the wild Protagonist makes decisions that determine whether or not he will survive a dangerous situation Protagonist makes decisions that determine whether or not he will survive a dangerous situation Protagonist grows up and finds strength of character in the situation Protagonist grows up and finds strength of character in the situation

Romance Novel (Not a “Romance”) Focuses on the relationship and romantic love between two people Focuses on the relationship and romantic love between two people Has an emotionally satisfying or happy ending Has an emotionally satisfying or happy ending