Unit 1: Introduction to Fiction

The very broad category of literature known as fiction includes any work of prose (writing other than poetry and drama) that tells an invented or imaginary story.

The short story is a brief prose narrative, or story, that usually presents only a single plot, one or two main characters, and one important setting.

A novel is a long work of prose fiction. Novels often have several plots, many major and minor characters, and numerous settings.

Popular fiction includes subgenres such as mystery, suspense and thriller, horror, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and Western.

Literary fiction does not fit into one of these categories. Writers in this book such as Ernest Hemingway, O. Henry, Sandra Cisneros, and Toni Cade Bambara are considered writers of literary fiction. The dividing line between popular and literary fiction is not clear-cut.

Mystery: The main character usually takes on a detective role and tries to uncover clues to a crime or some baffling event.

Horror: Ghosts, monsters, or other dangerous characters may lurk within these stories, whose purpose is to provide a good fright.

Science Fiction: Often the setting is outer space, but it doesn’t need to be, as long as advanced technology is a strong element in the story.

Fantasy: Often confused with science fiction, fantasy relies on magic and magical beings instead of technology. Fantasy is often set in another age or world.

The plot of a work of fiction is the series of events related to a central conflict, or struggle. The plot typically introduces a conflict, develops it, and eventually resolves it.

The characters are the individuals who take part in the action of a story.

The protagonist is the most important character in the story.

This character is sometimes opposed by an antagonist, who is in conflict with the protagonist.

The setting of a story is the time, place, and environment in which the events take place.

Point of view is the vantage point from which the story is told—in other words, who is telling the story.

The theme is the central idea about life that is revealed through a literary work.