Genre The student will distinguish among different genres using their distinguishing characteristics. SPI Genre The student will determine the common characteristics of literary drama, nonfiction, novels, poetry, and short stories. SPI

Unlock the Doors to Literature

A Genre Is a Type or Kind of Literature

Mystery

Characteristics of Mysteries Characteristics of Mysteries Usually, something strange happens... like something is stolen or disappears, or worse yet someone is killed. A detective tries to solve the mystery to find out who did it. Clues lead the detective to solve the mystery.

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Realistic Fiction

Characteristics of Realistic Fiction It seems like it could happen today. It seems like it could happen today. Characters seem like real people. Characters seem like real people. It usually happens in a common place. It usually happens in a common place.

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Historical Fiction

Characteristics of Historical Fiction The story happens at a DIFFERENT time in history (WWII, the Wild West, the Depression). The story happens at a DIFFERENT time in history (WWII, the Wild West, the Depression). It could have happened as the story was written. It could have happened as the story was written.

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Fantasy

Characteristics of Fantasy or Science Fiction Something in the book happens that couldn’t happen in real life. Something in the book happens that couldn’t happen in real life. May include magic, ghosts, and talking animals. May include magic, ghosts, and talking animals.

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Fairy Tales & Folklore

Characteristics of Fairy Tales or Folklore Often begin with “Once upon a time” or end with “Happily ever after.” Often begin with “Once upon a time” or end with “Happily ever after.” Include magical characters. Include magical characters. Characters are “good” or “bad.” Characters are “good” or “bad.” Are available in many different versions because of their spoken storytelling tradition. Are available in many different versions because of their spoken storytelling tradition.

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Adventure

Characteristics of Adventure A story involving great action or some sort of exciting event. A story involving great action or some sort of exciting event. Often takes place in the outdoors. Often takes place in the outdoors.

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Tall Tales Tall Tales

Characteristics of Tall Tales T rickery or cleverness T rickery or cleverness A dventure (often from our country’s westward expansion) A dventure (often from our country’s westward expansion) L arger than life qualities often based on a real person L arger than life qualities often based on a real person E xaggeration used to make it entertaining E xaggeration used to make it entertaining

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Poetry Poetry

Characteristics of Poetry Rhyme or Non-rhyme Rhyme or Non-rhyme Often written in stanzas Often written in stanzas Many different types of Poetry Many different types of Poetry ex. – narrative, ode, lyric, etc ex. – narrative, ode, lyric, etc Imagery – appeals to the senses Imagery – appeals to the senses

Drama Drama

Characteristics of Drama Written in Acts or Scenes Written in Acts or Scenes One to many characters One to many characters Written in conversation style Written in conversation style –Monologue or dialogue Stage directions for actors Stage directions for actors Designed to be performed on stage Designed to be performed on stage

Biography Biography

Characteristics of Biography A story written about a person’s life by another person A story written about a person’s life by another person Non-fiction Non-fiction Usually in chronological order Usually in chronological order

Autobiography Autobiography

Characteristics of Autobiography A story of a person’s life written by that very person. A story of a person’s life written by that very person. Non-fiction Non-fiction Usually chronological order Usually chronological order

Novels Novels

Characteristics of Novel Book-length worth of fiction Book-length worth of fiction More characters and conflict More characters and conflict Possible multiple settings and themes Possible multiple settings and themes Can span many years or generations Can span many years or generations Longer in length Longer in length Multiple chapters Multiple chapters

Short Story Short Story

Characteristics of Short Story One main plot line One main plot line A few major characters A few major characters One important conflict One important conflict One main theme One main theme