Genres of Fiction

What are Genres?
A Genre is a category of literature. Stories are placed in different genres based on 4 major story elements: Plot, Setting, Characters, and Theme

The plot is a series of events that take place in a story and that is centered around a main conflict or problem.

The setting is when and where the story takes place.

The characters are the people or animals in the story who drive the action.

The theme is the lesson or message the author tries to teach through his story.

Stories with similar plots, setting elements, characters, or themes are grouped into categories or genres. While some stories are only members of one genre, other stories might contain elements of two or more genres.

This year we will focus on EIGHT major genres of FICTION

Realistic Fiction contains a realistic plot, realistic characters, and is set in the present day. The Bluford series or Slam! by Walter Dean Myers are examples of Realistic Fiction.
Historical Fiction contains a realistic plot, realistic characters, and is set in the past. Historical Fiction is often focused on historical events, such as the Civil War or the thirteen colonies. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is an example of Historical Fiction.
Science Fiction contains elements of future science and technology, like space ships or time machines, and is often set in the future. Star Wars is an example of Science Fiction.
Fantasy stories contain unreal characters and unreal settings. Unicorns, Fairies, and elves are common characters in fantasies. The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter are examples of fantasies.
Action-Adventure stories contain themes of risk and danger. Many comic books series like Spiderman or Batman can be considered Action-Adventure stories.
Romance contains stories that involve the love between a man and a woman as the main plot and usually has a happy ending. Examples of romance include Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and Romiette and Julio by Sharon Draper.
Horror stories are written with the purpose of making the reader afraid. R. L. Stein novels in the Goosebumps Series are examples of horror stories.
Mysteries contain a plot that involves the search for clues where a discovery is made during the climax of the story. Agatha Christy novels and The Boxcar Children series are mysteries.