Explore the Genres in Literature

1. Welcome to Reading The Genres in Literature presentation was made especially for you. Ms. Krall kkrall@dcchargers.org

2. Genres in Reading Genres in reading are the categories in which writing can be identified. Genres often cross into one another creating a combination of writing types that appear in your favorite books, stories, and writing pieces. Being aware of the genre characteristics makes a reader more able to understand what to expect from the author while reading. Reading from various genres often provides an opportunity to become a better writer through example. Please enjoy the pages that follow. I am hopeful that these genre descriptions will make it easier to navigate your way through the library and inside the classroom. Reading is a forever activity that can take you anyplace you want to go.

3. Realistic Fiction Genre Genre characterized by the depiction of realism (what is authentic, real, or genuine) within a fictional format.  Characters are often created in the likeness of the reader or audience in which the author intends.  Often, the author presents a "life-lesson" that the character experiences for the benefit of the reader's experiential knowledge. 

4. Adventure Survival Genre Genre characterized with an unusual or exciting experience in which the main character and minor characters must face circumstances of action, danger, and risk.  Plot is fast-paced, and often characters are in search of something not yet found-or a treasure of some magnitude. Characters usually include a courageous hero/heroine with honorable qualities.

5. Mystery Genre Genre characterized by the quality of the secret, unexplained, or unknown. Often this fiction is associated with a puzzling crime, beginning with a clue left to be discovered.  The Protagonist is often referred to as the detective or hero, and the Antagonist is the villain or criminal.  The entire novel/story is the process of wading through clues, and seeking the solution.

6. Historical Fiction Genre Genre composed with recorded and/or chronological material of history with fictional adaptations. Historical Fiction is based on events or concerns in history and culture; fictional components are integrated to create personal connections or to teach a lesson about the nature of humanity.

7. Fantasy/Science Fiction Genre Genre characterized by creativity and imagination.  This writing is based on a capricious or whimsical notion or idea. There are several forms of fantasy that range from fairylike characters to dark fantasies of horror and mystery. Science Fiction includes other worlds, aliens, and fictional accounts of the future.

8. Biography and Autobiography Genre that is a written account of a person's life based on historical facts and events surrounding the individual.  Character is usually noteworthy and accomplished, but at times can be notorious. Story is written by an outside author. Autobiography, respectively, is the self-written account of one's life written for the purpose of sharing information. 

9. Expository Text Genre characterized as non-fiction reading.  Text includes factual, biographical, and academic materials. Expository text often includes maps, tables, and essays written for learning purposes.  Textbooks, encyclopedias, and dictionary/thesaurus books are used in schools.

10. Horror Genre Genre characterized by surprise, shock or fear.  The author intends a feeling of alarm or disquiet caused by an awareness of dread or horror in expectation of a dangerous situation.  The characters are often based on primal fears that are common to all. The Horror Genre is the basis for many scary movies and books that can keep you up late at night…