1. Genres

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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