Unit 1: Introduction to Fiction

Fiction is a category of literature that includes any work of prose (writing other than poetry and drama) that tells a made-up or imaginary story.

The short story is a brief prose narrative 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, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, and romance.

The dividing line between popular and literary fiction is sometimes hard to identify. Jack London, for example, is famous for popular adventure stories such as The Call of the Wild, in addition to his more literary works, such as Martin Eden.

The plot of a fictional work is the series of events related to the central conflict, or struggle. The plot introduces a conflict, develops it, and eventually resolves it. The plot often contains the following elements: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

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

The protagonist is the most important character in the story.

The antagonist is in conflict with and often opposes the protagonist.

The setting of a story is the time, place, and environment in which the events occur. The setting can include the following elements:
• geographic location
• specific sites (such as a building or room)
• time period
• cultural, social, or economic conditions

Point of view is the vantage point from which the story is told—in other words, who is telling the story.
• In first-person point of view, the story is told by someone who participates in or witnesses the action; this person, called the narrator, uses words such as I and we in telling the story...
• In third-person point of view, the narrator usually exists outside the action and observes, using words such as he, she, it, and they.

The theme is the central idea about life that is revealed through a literary work. A stated theme is presented directly, but an implied theme must be inferred by the reader.

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

Suspense and Thriller: Plots involve spies, thieves, gangsters, or ordinary people caught up in dangerous situations.

Suspense and Thriller: Plots involve spies, thieves, gangsters, or ordinary people caught up in dangerous situations.

Adventure: A hero or heroine makes a journey to answer a question or solve a conflict.

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.

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.

Romance: It’s a love story, often in an exotic setting. The main character is usually thwarted in his or her first attempts at love but triumphs in the end.