This document defines and describes various genres of literature. It begins by explaining that a genre is a category or kind of story, and that stories fall into either fiction or non-fiction. It then provides definitions and key characteristics for several specific genres, including action/adventure, crime/detective/mystery, fantasy, horror, romance, science fiction, western, children's/young adult, experimental, and literary versus popular fiction. Examples are given for many genres to illustrate common elements such as plots, characters, settings, and themes.

1. Genres and Literature
When you speak about genres
and literature, genre means a
category, or kind of story.

2. All categories of books or stories can
be called either fiction or non-fiction.
Fiction
 a made up story
 can tell about
things that could
happen
 is read for fun
 characters may be
like real people or
imaginary
Non-Fiction
 has facts that can
be checked and
proven
 the author is an
expert on this
information
 it IS TRUE!

3. Action/Adventure/Thriller…
 The characters (and the reader) can always
expect the worst - the main characters
can, and usually do, have everything thrown
at them.
 Action, action and more action are
hallmarks of a good adventure/suspense
book.
 And finally, there must be a villain, for
without a foe…without an adversary, there
can be no adventure…no suspense.

4. Crime/Detective/Mystery
 Most - though not all - crime and detective
novels share a common structure. First
there is the crime, usually a murder; then
there is the investigation; and finally the
outcome or judgment, often in the shape of
the criminal's arrest or death.
 Mysteries are stories that have a real
setting and a problem to be solved that
includes clues, distractions, and an answer
to the problem.

5. Fantasy
 Fantasy is fiction that has elements that
are not real. Sometimes this includes
talking animals or characters with magical
powers. There’s usually a conflict between
good and evil.

6. Horror
 Horror fiction is, broadly, fiction intended
to scare, unsettle or horrify the reader.
 May be supernatural or non-supernatural
 Although mostly supernatural, any fiction
with a morbid, gruesome, surreal,
suspenseful or frightening theme may be
termed "horror“.

7. Romance
 A romance is a work in which the plot
centers around a love relationship.
 It has two strict criteria:
– The first is that the story must focus on the
relationship and romantic love between two
people.
– Secondly, the end of the story must be
positive, leaving the reader believing that the
protagonists' love and relationship will endure
for the rest of their lives.

8. Science-Fiction (Sci-Fi)
 Science Fiction is made up of stories
that blend fact and fiction with
futuristic technology. This is a form
of writing that is concerned with a
world removed in some fundamental
way from our own, whether in time,
attitude or knowledge.

9. Western
 Westerns are a novel or collection of
stories set in 19th century frontier
America with:
– a strong, self-reliant central character
– simple plots
– full of action
– often involves cowboys, cavalrymen,
lawmen and outlaws of the Old West.

10. Children’s/Young Adult
 Picture books - the illustrations play a significant role in telling the
story.
 Early readers
Also called "easy-to-read", these books are designed for "emergent
readers" - children who are just learning to read on their own. Most
of these books are intended for primary grades (age 6-8).
 Chapter books
For ages 7-10, Chapter books are transitional books that help
children move from early readers to full novels.
 Middle-Grade Novels
This is the golden age of reading for many children, ages 8-12. A
novel, unlike the picture book, relies entirely on text to tell the
story.
 Young Adult
Young adult novels, also sometimes called teen novels, are generally
read by children anywhere from age 12 upwards. Most are
contemporary stories, and often involve contemporary problems,
including drugs, sex, and peer pressure.

11. Experimental
 Experimental fiction breaks one or more of
the conventions that the reader expects to
find:
– All the main characters may be depicted as
hateful, disgusting human beings.
– Instead of delivering a discernible story, the
writer may ramble on about this and that, piling
digression upon digression.
– As the reader attempts to settle into the
fictional dream, the writer may intrude by
addressing the reader directly.
– The writer may play with language, wrenching
meaning and syntax in unexpected ways

12. Literary v. Popular Fiction
 Literary fiction focuses more on
style, depth and character
development. This type tends to be
considered to have more “literary
merit”
 Popular fiction focuses more on plot
and narrative
 Gone With the Wind vs. Harry Potter

13. Works Cited
Bennett, Steve. “Children’s Literature and Fiction Genre definition.”
http://www.findmeanauthor.com/childrens_fiction_genre.htm.
findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011.
- - -. “Crime Fiction Genre Definition.”
http://www.findmeanauthor.com/crime_fiction.htm. findmeanauthor.com,
2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011.
- - -. “Romantic Fiction Genre definition.”
http://www.findmeanauthor.com/romantic_fiction_genre.htm.
findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011.
- - -. “Thriller Fiction Genre definition.”
http://www.findmeanauthor.com/thriller_fiction_genre.htm.
findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011.
- - -. “Western Fiction Genre definition.”
http://www.findmeanauthor.com/western_fiction_genre.htm.
findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011.
French, Bonnie, Tina Laramie, and Michele Romeo. “GENRES.” N.d. PowerPoint
file.
Introduction to Genres. N.d. PowerPoint file.