Today we will identify genres of fiction. By: Mrs. Robold

Mystery Usually realistic Contains a mysterious event, situation or problem which is not explained Could contain a crime that is not solved until the end of the story to keep the reader in suspense Strangeness of something unknown Centers on someone investigating something or searching for secret information

Science Fiction Includes details on science or technology of the future - seems almost impossible Blends scientific facts with fictional elements Set in the future, space, or a different world Makes guesses about the future

Historical Fiction Takes place in the past Written to portray or convey information from a specific time period or historical event Often the setting is real The characters are usually fictional If the characters are fictional, they must be portrayed authentically.

Realistic Fiction Take place in modern time (right here, right now) The characters are involved in events that could really happen Reader often relates to characters - characters have real life problems Characters have normal human powers

Adventure Almost always fast-paced A likeable hero is usually male (always follows moral code) There is always physical action Includes a villain which has no moral code Setting changes frequently Often violence of some kind is present

Fantasy Contains elements that are NOT realistic Often includes talking animals with magical powers Could also be considered make-believe

Folk Tales Types of folktales: 1. Fable 2. Tall tales 3. Myths 4. Legends 5. Fairy Tales

Fables Teach people how they should live Often animals are thinly disguised people Have a moral at the end Animals talk Example: Aesop Fables

Tall Tale Started in 1800’s for pioneers to understand greatness of American West - contains info about the West Huge forests, animals, deserts, mountains Bigger than life heroes for taming the West Some heroes are real Stories are exaggerated Came from bragging contests

Myths Very old, passed down from generations Earliest form of folklore May have some truth, but not true anymore People believed them at one time Stories about Greek and Roman gods and goddesses May have mythical animals

Myths Cont... Gods control or have power over people (Zeus) Explained natural events Stories about how the world began Contains gods and heroes Took place before recorded history

Legends Big Foot Sighting Narrative of human actions Take place in human history May have miracles happen Everything that happens is possible Passed down from generation to generation Have a moral lesson Big Foot Sighting

Legends Cont... A tale rooted in a small truth Believable No mythical creatures Cannot be proven

Fairy Tales Teach children lessons to obey Use magic Use good and evil Contains supernatural events Mystical creatures Kings and Queens

Fairy Tales Cont... Takes place in far away places Contains unusual names Sometimes humans are turned into animals and vice a versa Animals can sometimes talk Begins with “Once upon a time” or “Long ago” Ends in “Happily ever after”