2. Elements of
Science Fiction
Realistic and fantastic details
Grounded in science
Unknown inventions
Makes a serious comment about the world
Often contains a warning for humankind
3. Science Fiction Settings
Another planet
Under the oceans
Another dimension of existence
May be a utopia or dystopia
May be in the future
May time travel to the past or future
May take place in present, but alternate reality
4. Science Fiction
Characters and Conflict
Protagonist (hero)
Antagonist (villain)
These characters may be a being (human or
other) or may be a force
Characters may include creatures, robots,
aliens, machines, etc.
Conflict may center around a society’s laws, a
disease or other problem, technology
5. Science is Important to
the Story
Advanced technology
Genetics
Disease
Exploration
Special powers or senses as a result of science
Science can be the savior or the root of the
problem
6. Science Fiction vs.
Fantasy
Science fiction is based in fact: some of the
technology is invented, some of the places are
made up, but all of it is conceivable
Fantasy is not based in reality: it is purely
imaginative
7. Elements of Fantasy
Contains supernatural elements such as
magic and shape-shifting
Characters use magical transportation such as
flying broomsticks and magic portals
Conflict centers around good vs. evil
Author’s purpose is to entertain, not to make a
social commentary or issue a warning
8. Fantasy Settings
A magical world
A parallel world that is entered
through a portal
Fantasy settings: Hogwarts, Narnia,
Oz
9. Fantasy Characters and
Conflict
Characters may include witches,
wizards, sorcerers, talking animals,
ogres, elves, unicorns, magical
beasts, vampires, and werewolves
Conflict is usually good vs. evil
10. Final thoughts
Sometimes the two genres overlap
New term: science fantasy
Rod Serling said, “Fantasy is the impossible
made probable. Science fiction is the
improbable made possible."