The main problem centers around a question that needs to be answered, an identity to be revealed, a crime or mystery to be solved. These stories are characterized by clues that lead to rising tension as the mystery's solution is first approached, and then finally realized. 

San Jose State University

Arizona State University

Some of the most significant genres of fictional literature are, or have been:

- Romance
- Action/Adventure
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Speculative Fiction
- Suspense/Thriller
- Young Adult
- New Adult
- Horror/Paranormal/Ghost
- Mystery/Crime
- Police Procedurals
- Historical Fiction
- Westerns
- Family Saga
- Women’s Fiction
- Magic Realism
- Literary Fiction
- Sports

It should be noted that a given story can include elements from multiple different genres.

Genres of Fictional Literature

Patterson, A. (2021, October 20). The 17 most popular genres in fiction - and why they matter. Writers Write. Retrieved October 29, 2021, from https://www.writerswrite.co.za/the-17-most-popular-genres-in-fiction-and-why-they-matter/. 

These are stories about romantic relationships between two people. They are characterized by:

- Idealism
- Desire  
- Romantic tension

The author keeps the two characters apart for most of the story, before inevitably having them end up together.  

Romance

Stories in which the protagonist is placed in physical danger, also characterized by exciting near misses, as well as daring and courageous actions. Stories are fast-paced, with growing tension, plus a climax that offers some relief to the the reader.

Action/Adventure

Science fiction is a literary genre that explores imagined futures shaped by scientific and technological advancements. While early works in the genre, such as Francis Bacon's *New Atlantis* (1627), appeared in the 17th century, its themes gained broader cultural resonance starting in the 18th century. This coincided with a new societal expectation that technology would continually transform the future, a departure from the centuries of stagnant living standards that preceded it.

Science Fiction

Similar to science fiction, but uses kingdoms and realms instead of planets, star systems, galaxies, and universes.  Like science fiction, involves a large amount of world-building. Fantasy stories are often characterized by the use of myths, along with other-worldly ideas and concepts, as well as taking cues from real-world historical settings, such as the Dark Ages. 

Fantasy

Set in worlds that are, in certain ways, unlike the real world. Typically overlaps with one or more of:
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Horror
- Supernatural Fiction
- Superhero Fiction
- Utopian/Dystopian Fiction
- Apocalyptic/Post-apocalyptic Fiction
- Alternate History

Speculative Fiction

These stories are concerned with the concept of a character being in jeopardy. They involve one character or set of characters being pursued by another, who they must escape from and/or defeat. These stories also often involve suspenseful cliffhangers, challenging situations that the protagonists must somehow find their way out of. The threats that the protagonists must confront ccould be physical, psychological, or both. The setting of the story has a direct and vital impact on the development of the plot. 

Suspense/Thriller

These stories tend to be written and published for, and marketed to adolescents/young adults. According to the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a young adult is defined as someone who is in the 12-to-18-year-old age range. However, they may be read by adults. These tend to be what is often called coming-of-age stories, and often overlap with Fantasy and Science Fiction. Young Adult stories often feature diverse protagonists who must face challenges and changes. 

Young Adult

Similar to Young Adult stories, but featuring college-aged, as opposed to school-aged, characters, plotlines, etc. These stories tend to deal with leaving home, living independently, etc., for the first time, and the uncertainties and challenges that come with that, as well as often dealing with first experiences with sex.

New Adult

These are scary stories involving one set of characters being pursued by another set of characters, who the protagonists must escape from/and or defeat. In these stories, however, the antagonists are often demonic and/or supernatural beings.

Horror/Paranormal/Ghost

Mystery/Crime

These are mysteries that specifically focus on a police officer or detective trying to solve a crime. There is a heavy focus on the:

- Forensic and/or technological aspects of police/detective work 
- Collecting and organizing of evidence
- Legal elements of criminology

Police Procedurals

These stories are set during actual historical times and places, often involving fictionalized portrayals of important historical figures.

Historical Fiction

These stories are set specifically circa the mid-to-late-19th-Century American West. Typical plotlines include:
- Survival
- Romance 
- Adventures with contemporary characters, such as:
- Cowboys
- Frontiersmen 
- Indians
- Mountain men
- Miners

Westerns

The ongoing stories of two-plus generations of a particular family. Typical plots involve: 

- Businesses
- Acquisition
- Properties
- Adventures
- Family curses

These stories are typically historical by nature, while coming to a resolution in a contemporary setting. These stories also tend to involve a timeline.

Family Saga

These stories are characterized by female characters who must deal with crises, difficulties, and challenges that are directly related to gender. This can include, but is not limited to, a conflict with or over a man. It can also include conflict with or over things like:

- The economy
- Family 
- Society
- Art 
- Politics
- Religion

Women's Fiction

These stories are primarily concerned with the human condition itself and are more concerned with themes and with the inner lives of the characters themselves than they are with plot development. 

Literary Fiction

Fictional literature centered on or otherwise involving sports. 


Learn Before

Related