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Genre and its types

Genre is a category or classification of literature, music, film, or other forms of art and
entertainment, based on common themes, styles, or forms.

Types of Genres in Literature

1. Fiction
o Definition: Fiction is a genre that includes any narrative that is created from the
imagination and not based on real events.
o Types of Fiction Genres:
 Fantasy: Features magical elements, mythical creatures, and otherworldly
settings. Example: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
 Science Fiction: Focuses on futuristic concepts, advanced technology,
space exploration, and often speculative science. Example: Dune by Frank
Herbert.
 Historical Fiction: Set in a specific historical period, often featuring real
historical events or figures alongside fictional characters. Example: The
Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
2. Non-Fiction
o Definition: Non-fiction is a genre that involves factual narratives, based on real
events, people, and information.
o Types of Non-Fiction Genres:
 Biography/Autobiography: The life story of a person, either written by
someone else (biography) or by the person themselves (autobiography).
Example: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
 Essay: A short, non-fiction work that discusses a particular subject, often
reflecting the author's personal views. Example: A Room of One's Own by
Virginia Woolf.
 History: Non-fiction works that explore and analyze past events. Example:
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond.
3. Poetry
o Definition: Poetry is a literary genre that uses rhythmic and often metaphorical
language to evoke emotions and ideas.
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o Types of Poetry Genres:

 Sonnet: A 14-line poem, typically written in iambic pentameter. Example:
Shakespeare's Sonnets.
 Free Verse: Poetry that does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter.
Example: Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.
 Epic: A long narrative poem that often deals with heroic deeds and events
of historical or cultural significance. Example: The Iliad by Homer.
 Lyric: Expresses personal emotions or thoughts, often in a musical style.
Example: Ode to a Nightingale by John Keats.
4. Drama
o Definition: Drama is a genre of literature intended for performance, where the
narrative is expressed through dialogue and action.
o Types of Drama Genres:
 Tragedy: Focuses on the downfall of the protagonist due to a tragic flaw or
fate. Example: Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
 Comedy: Aimed at entertaining and often involves humorous situations and
characters. Example: A Midsummer Night's Dream by William
Shakespeare.
 Tragicomedy: Combines elements of both tragedy and comedy. Example:
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Elements of fiction
We live in a world full of stories. Novels, short stories, myths, and even plays
are all forms of fiction.

8 Elements of Fiction:

Elements of Fiction: Definition

There are seven elements of fiction that can be found in any story, regardless
of the form the narrative takes. These elements
are character, plot, setting, theme, point of view, conflict, and tone.

All seven elements work together to create a coherent story. When you’re
writing a story, these are the fundamental building blocks you should use.

You can approach the seven elements in any order. For example, you can
start with tone—you might know you want to write a funny story, or a scary
story. Or you can start with setting—you might decide you want to set the
story in your own hometown.
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Element 1: Character
Characters are the players within a story. They can be human beings,
animals, aliens, or even sentient (capable of sensing or feeling) objects. As
long as they make decisions within the story, they’re characters.

Characters are the individuals who participate in the story's action. They can be protagonists
(main characters), antagonists (characters who oppose the protagonists), or supporting
characters.

Most stories have a main character, (Protagonist) or multiple main

characters. Some have antagonists who prevent the main characters from
achieving their goals. There are also side characters, romantic interests,
and many other roles that fictional characters can take in a story.

In a well-written story, each character has a distinct appearance, personality,

and motivation. They should be rounded characters who drive the story
forward by pursuing their individual goals rather than flat characters who
behave like cardboard cut-outs.

Example from Harry Potter:

 Protagonist: Harry Potter is the main character, whose journey from an ordinary boy to
the hero who defeats Voldemort drives the story.
 Antagonist: Voldemort, the dark wizard who seeks immortality and power, serves as the
primary antagonist.
 Supporting Characters: Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, Harry's best friends, play
crucial roles in helping him navigate the challenges he faces.

Round and flat characters are terms used in literary analysis to describe the complexity and
development of characters within a story.

Round Characters

 Definition: Round characters are complex and well-developed characters in a story. They have
multiple facets to their personality, undergo significant development, and often experience
personal growth or change throughout the narrative.
 Characteristics:
o Multi-dimensional: Round characters have various traits and are more like real people
with strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and contradictions.
o Growth and Change: These characters often evolve as the story progresses, learning
from their experiences and possibly altering their views or behaviors.
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o Believable: Because of their depth and development, round characters feel more
realistic and relatable.
 Examples:
o Harry Potter from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is a round character. He starts as a
young, naïve boy who knows little about his heritage or the world of magic. Over the
course of the series, he grows into a brave, wise, and self-sacrificing leader, struggling
with his identity, friendships, and moral dilemmas.

Flat Characters

 Definition: Flat characters are relatively simple and undeveloped characters in a story. They
usually embody a single trait or idea and do not undergo significant change or development.
 Characteristics:
o One-dimensional: Flat characters are often based on a single characteristic or
stereotype, without much depth or complexity.
o Consistency: These characters remain consistent throughout the story, with little to no
change in their behavior, beliefs, or personality.
o Supporting Role: Flat characters often serve as supporting figures in the story, helping
to move the plot along or highlight certain traits of the main characters without
becoming the focus themselves.
 Examples:
o Mr. Filch from the Harry Potter series is a flat character. He is consistently portrayed as
the grumpy, strict caretaker of Hogwarts with little depth beyond his role as a minor
antagonist to the students.

Comparison

 Development: Round characters are developed and complex, while flat characters are simple
and lack depth.
 Change: Round characters often undergo significant changes, whereas flat characters remain
static.
 Purpose: Round characters are usually the focus of the story and drive the plot forward, while
flat characters often serve as background or supporting figures, providing contrast or helping to
highlight the qualities of the round characters.

Understanding the distinction between round and flat characters helps in analyzing how a story is
constructed and how the characters contribute to the overall narrative and themes.

Element 2: Plot
Plot refers to the events that happen within the story. It includes every major
turning point that the characters experience.

The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story.

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In general, every story has a beginning, middle, and end.

The beginning is the exposition, where the key events of the story are set into
action. The middle is the rising action, where progressive complications raise
the stakes. And finally, the end is the resolution, where the story gets
wrapped up.

The plot pyramid, also known as Freytag's Pyramid, is a model

used to describe the structure of a story. It consists of five parts:
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Here’s how it applies to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone:

1. Exposition

 Characteristics: Introduction of the setting, characters, and basic situation.

 Example in Harry Potter: The story begins by introducing Harry Potter, who lives with his
abusive aunt and uncle, the Dursleys. Harry discovers that he is a wizard and learns about his
parents' mysterious death.

2. Rising Action

 Characteristics: Series of conflicts or events that build toward the climax.

 Example in Harry Potter: Harry receives his Hogwarts letter, meets Hagrid, and enters the
magical world. He makes friends (like Ron and Hermione) and enemies (like Draco Malfoy) at
Hogwarts, discovers the Mirror of Erised, and learns about the Philosopher's Stone.

3. Climax

 Characteristics: The turning point of the story, the moment of greatest tension.
 Example in Harry Potter: The climax occurs when Harry, Ron, and Hermione confront Voldemort
(who is possessing Professor Quirrell) in an attempt to stop him from stealing the Philosopher's
Stone. Harry faces Voldemort directly for the first time.

4. Falling Action
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 Characteristics: The events that follow the climax and lead towards resolution.
 Example in Harry Potter: After the confrontation, Dumbledore explains to Harry what happened
with the Philosopher's Stone and why Voldemort couldn't kill him. The school year ends, and the
characters begin to reflect on the events.

5. Resolution

 Characteristics: The conclusion of the story, where loose ends are tied up.
 Example in Harry Potter: The resolution occurs when Harry returns to the Dursleys for the
summer, but with the knowledge that he now belongs to the magical world and will return to
Hogwarts. The threat of Voldemort still lingers, setting up future conflicts.

This pyramid structure helps to create a well-rounded and engaging narrative by gradually
building tension and resolving it, keeping the reader invested in the story.

Element 3: Setting
Setting is a broad term for the world the story takes place in.

The setting refers to the time and place in which the story occurs. It can influence the mood,
atmosphere, and context of the narrative.

On a macro level, setting might include the country the characters live in and
the climate of that country. On a micro level, setting can include the room the
characters are standing in, the time of day a scene takes place, or even the
day-to-day weather.

Settings can sometimes take on symbolic meanings. For example, the never-
ending winter in Narnia in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and the
Wardrobe represents the tyranny of the White Witch’s rule.

Setting includes time as well as place. A story might take place over the span
of a single night, like in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, or an entire
lifetime, like in A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.

Example from Harry Potter:

 Time: The series is set in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with the timeline starting
in 1991 when Harry turns 11.
 Place: The primary setting is the magical world, with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry as the central location. Other important locations include the Dursleys' home on
Privet Drive, Diagon Alley, and various magical locations like the Forbidden Forest and
Hogsmeade.
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Element 4: Theme
Theme refers to the philosophical questions your story explores.

The theme is the underlying message or central idea of the story. It reflects the author’s view on
life, society, or human nature.

Often, theme is revealed in the lesson the protagonist needs to learn. For
example, one of the themes of Shelley’s science fiction book Frankenstein is
that scientists shouldn’t use their powers to create new beings without
considering the consequences.

Theme can also be revealed through the core conflict between the
protagonist and the antagonist.

For example, in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, the antagonist,
Voldemort, doesn’t love anybody, while the protagonist, Harry, is protected by
the love of his family and friends. Thus, the power of love is a major theme in
the series.

Example from Harry Potter:

 Theme of Good vs. Evil: The battle between Harry and Voldemort represents the classic
struggle between good and evil. The series explores how love, friendship, and courage
can overcome darkness and hatred.
 Theme of Identity: Harry’s journey is also about discovering his true identity,
understanding his past, and accepting his role in the larger conflict.
 Theme of Death: The concept of death is a recurring theme, from the death of Harry’s
parents to the various sacrifices made by characters throughout the series. It questions the
fear of death and the idea of living a meaningful life.

Element 5: Point of View

Point of view (POV) is the perspective from which a story is told.

In English class, you might have learned about the four basic POVs:

 First person (“I”)

 Second person (“you”)
 Limited third person (“he, she, they” in one character’s head)
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 Omniscient third person (“he, she, they” from an all-seeing perspective)

POV is closely intertwined with form and structure. For example, if your story
takes the form of advice offered to someone else, second person makes
sense. On the other hand, if your story takes the form of a diary entry, first
person makes sense.

The main point of view in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" is third-person limited
omniscient.

Explanation:

 Third-Person: The narrator is not a character in the story and uses pronouns like "he," "she,"
and "they."
 Limited Omniscient: The narrator primarily follows Harry Potter, giving readers access to his
thoughts, feelings, and experiences, while not providing direct insight into the inner thoughts of
other characters.

This point of view allows readers to experience the magical world and the unfolding plot largely
through Harry's perspective, helping them connect closely with his character while maintaining
suspense and mystery throughout the story.

Element 6: Conflict
Conflict is what prevents the protagonist from achieving their goals. All fiction
writing requires conflict because otherwise there would be no story, just a
happy ending.

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot. It can be internal (within a
character) or external (between characters or between a character and an external force).

For example, imagine your protagonist’s goal is to get back home as quickly
as possible. The conflict can be as small as a late bus that delays their return,
or as large as an earthquake that tears their hometown apart.

There are seven types of conflict: character vs character, character vs

self, character vs society, character vs fate, character vs nature,
and character vs technology.

Conflict is important because it’s what makes the story interesting. There
would be no story if everyone could easily achieve everything they wanted.
Adding meaningful obstacles for the characters to overcome is key for
creating a compelling story.
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Internal and external conflicts are two types of struggles that characters face in literature,
driving the plot forward and adding depth to the story.

 External Conflict: The primary conflict is between Harry and Voldemort, representing
the larger battle between the forces of good and evil in the wizarding world.
 Internal Conflict: Harry also faces internal conflicts, such as his feelings of isolation, his
struggles with his identity, and his fear of being similar to Voldemort.

1. Internal Conflict (Man vs. Self)

 Definition: This is a psychological struggle within the mind of a character. The character faces
inner dilemmas, emotions, or moral decisions.
 Characteristics:
o Involves mental, emotional, or spiritual struggles.
o Often revolves around themes like identity, guilt, fear, or decision-making.
o The character must resolve these conflicts within themselves to move forward in the
story.
 Example:
o Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Harry faces internal conflict when he
discovers his identity as a wizard and struggles with the idea that he might not belong in
the magical world. He also wrestles with his fear of facing Voldemort and the
uncertainty of his own abilities.

2. External Conflict

 Definition: This involves a character facing opposition from an external force. This force can be
another character, society, nature, or a supernatural entity.
 Types of External Conflict:
o Man vs. Man: Conflict between two characters.
 Example: Harry Potter vs. Draco Malfoy, as they clash throughout their time at
Hogwarts.
o Man vs. Society: Conflict between a character and societal norms or rules.
 Example: Harry’s struggle against the societal expectations placed on him as the
"Boy Who Lived."
o Man vs. Nature: Conflict between a character and natural forces.
 Example: Harry facing dangerous creatures in the Forbidden Forest.
o Man vs. Supernatural: Conflict between a character and otherworldly forces.
 Example: Harry's battles against Voldemort, who embodies dark magic and
supernatural power.
 Example:
o Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: The primary external conflict is Harry’s
struggle against Voldemort, who seeks the Philosopher’s Stone to regain his power. This
is a Man vs. Supernatural conflict, as Voldemort is a dark and powerful wizard with a
nearly inhuman presence.
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Element 7: Tone
Tone helps the author evoke emotion.

The tone is the author's attitude toward the subject, while the mood is the atmosphere or
emotional feeling created in the reader.

When you’re reading or writing, ask yourself: What feeling is this story meant
to evoke in the reader? Fear? Amusement? Thoughtfulness? Dread?

Tone is closely related to genre. If you’re writing a thriller, you might want to
go for a scary and suspenseful tone. If you’re writing a romantic comedy, you
might lean toward a lighter and more humorous tone.

Stories can vary their tones on a scene level. Even a thriller should have
lighthearted scenes, and romantic comedies should have serious scenes.

Example from Harry Potter:

 Tone: The tone of the Harry Potter series varies from whimsical and adventurous in the
earlier books to darker and more serious as the story progresses.
 Mood: The mood can shift from light-hearted and magical (e.g., Harry's first visit to
Diagon Alley) to tense and foreboding (e.g., the battles with Voldemort and his
followers).

8. Symbolism
Symbolism involves the use of symbols—objects, characters, or events that represent larger
ideas.

Example from Harry Potter:

 The Elder Wand: Represents ultimate power and the temptation that comes with it.
 The Scar: Harry's lightning-bolt scar symbolizes his connection to Voldemort and the
burden he carries as the "Chosen One."
 The Sorting Hat: Represents the theme of choice and identity, as it considers the
qualities that define a person and their potential.

These elements of fiction are crucial in creating a rich, immersive, and engaging story