Drama
-
Stories composed in verse or prose, usually for
theatrical performance, where conflicts and emotion are expressed through
dialogue and action.
Fable
-
Narration demonstrating a useful truth, especially in which animals speak as
humans; legendary, supernatural tale.
Fairy Tale
Story about fairies or other magical creatures, usually for children.
Fantasy
Fiction with strange or other worldly settings or characters; fiction which
invites suspension of reality.
Fiction
-
Narrative literary works whose content is produced by the imagination and is
not necessarily based on fact.
Fiction in Verse
Full-length novels with plot, subplot(s), theme(s), major and minor
characters, in which the narrative is presented in (usually blank) verse form.
Folklore
The songs, stories, myths, and proverbs of a people or "folk" as handed down
by word of mouth.
Historical Fiction
Story with fictional characters and events in a historical setting.
Horror
Fiction in which events evoke a feeling of dread in both the characters and
the reader.
Humor
Fiction full of fun, fancy, and excitement, meant to entertain; but can be
contained in all genres
Legend
Story, sometimes of a national or folk hero, which has a basis in fact but
also includes imaginative material.
Mystery
Fiction dealing with the solution of a crime or the unraveling of secrets.
Mythology
Legend or traditional narrative, often based in part on historical events,
that reveals human behavior and natural phenomena by its symbolism; often
pertaining to the actions of the gods.
Poetry
Verse and rhythmic writing with imagery that creates emotional responses.
Realistic Fiction
Story that can actually happen and is true to life.
Science Fiction
-
Story based on impact of actual, imagined, or potential science, usually set
in the future or on other planets.
Short Story
Fiction of such brevity that it supports no subplots.
Tall Tale
-
Humorous story with blatant exaggerations, swaggering heroes who do the
impossible with nonchalance.
All Nonfiction
Biography/Autobiography
-
Narrative of a person's life, a true story about a real person.
Essay
A short literary composition that reflects the author's outlook or point.
Narrative Nonfiction
Factual information presented in a format which tells a story.
Nonfiction
Informational text dealing with an actual, real-life subject.
Speech
Public address or discourse.