Genre conventions and features

Origins of science fiction The sci-fi genre truly began during the 19 th century This era saw massive breakthroughs in technology and scientific discovery This led people to begin to speculate about what the future may be like and science fiction was born

Conventions of sci-fi Like other genres, sci- fi stories have conventional features which make the genre instantly recognisable These features can be setting, plot, characters and underlying message

setting Setting defines the sci-fi genre and can be The future on planet Earth An alien planet Planet Earth under attack by aliens An alternative Earth history

technology Sci-fi features technological advances which are scientifically plausible or believable The consequences of this future science are usually the motivating force in the plot

plot There is usually a danger/ threat or evil which must be overcome The source of this threat/ danger/ evil is usually either scientific or technological advances or aliens The hero usually finds the weakness or flaw which will help him to overcome the evil

The hero Is usually an ordinary man, an ‘everyman’ figure Usually discovers the plot/ evil/ threat by accident Faces danger and obstacles which have to be overcome in order to defeat the plot/threat/evil

Underlying themes Sci-fi fiction tends to pose a serious moral question about our humanity or the future of our planet E.g. when science enables us to be able create life/ prolong life/ travel to other worlds, will the human race make good moral choices?

Sci-fi language Detailed use of descriptive adjectives to create alien worlds or technology Use of metaphors and similes to compare futuristic features to those in our world Short sentences used to create a shock Words relating to fear A factual tone when writing about technology, using technological vocabulary