Fiction Terms

long, fictional stories usually written in prose.

• drama

• poetry

• short stories

• novel

tells a complete story in about 500-1,500 words: clear beginning, middle and end.

• folktale

• legend

• short stories

• myth

exciting quests or missions; the main character has to overcome great obstacles and harsh settings.

• adventure stories

• legend

• myth

• tall tale

brief story or poem, usually with animal characters and teaches a lesson

• myth

• fable

• tall tale

• fairy tale

takes place in another world that usually contains amazing creatures and magic.

• fable

• tall tale

• myth

• fantasy

characters face a problem that seems to be beyond explanation. Suspense or terror plays a big part.

• mystery

• historical fiction

• science fiction

• folktale

story with mystic characters and events; tries to explain some natural event or fact.

• science fiction

• myth

• fantasy

• legend

uses science facts, theories or beliefs to interpret the future, other planets and dimensions or time travel. Setting: future, space, different world or universe.

• legend

• fantasy

• realistic fiction

• science fiction

story based on a time, event, or series of events that has taken place in history.

• science fiction

• historical fiction

• legend

• poetry

story about situations that could happen in real life, with familiar character types and settings.

• realistic fiction

• science fiction

• historical fiction

• drama