1. What are the various genres? How are they similar or different?
Genre Overview
What are the various genres?
How are they similar or different?

2. What is a genre? A division or category of literature
Every work of literature is categorized by genre according to its characteristics

3. Broad Genres 3 major genres Prose (fiction and nonfiction) Drama
Poetry

4. Historical Fiction Has fictional characters with a historical backdrop
Contains many details about the time period in which it is set

5. Realistic Fiction Deals with events that could happen in real life
Represents the burdens, struggles, joys, and happenings of everyday life

6. Adventure Main characters go on a journey of some sort
Involves self discovery and/or the resolution of a conflict

7. Thriller The main characters are usually in or cause danger
Suspense drives the plot and conflict
Not quite…

8. Drama A story that is meant to be performed and viewed by an audience
Has dialogue
Contains stage directions (printed in italics, tells actors how to look/move/speak)
2 basic types
Tragedy
Comedy

9. Poetry Emphasizes the line as the unit of composition
Made up of stanzas (grouping of lines)
Contains figurative language, rhyme, and symbolism

10. Narrative A story or account of events and experiences
Written in first person
Can be true or fictitious
Autobiography

11. Fantasy Contains elements NOT found in real life
Involves supernatural elements and imaginary places or creatures

12. Science Fiction
Deals with the impact of real science or imaginary super science

13. Mystery
Characters attempt to solve a mystery or a puzzle, or reveal, discover, or expose a secret
This is the driving force of the plot

14. Traditional Fiction (Folklore)
Reflects traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and dances of a culture
Passed down over generations
Tall tales, folk songs, myths, legends, and fables