Post by Tempted Saint on May 25, 2006 21:23:27 GMT -5
Four Main Fiction Genres
What we consider Romantic Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Horror and Science Fiction. To make sure we were using proper explanation, we've borrowed an excerpt from Wikipedia. *chuckles* We basically use the same genre guidelines that the film industry uses. If we have enough requests we can always open up a new genre. *nods* Just let us know what you think.
Romantic Comedy
The basic plot of a romantic comedy is that two people meet, banter with each other, but despite an attraction obvious to the audience, do not become romantically involved because of some internal factor (on the surface, they do not like each other) or an external barrier (one is romantically involved with another person, for instance). At some point, after various comic scenes, they are parted for some reason. One partner or the other then realizes that they are perfect for each other, and (often after some spectacular effort, sometimes termed the Grand Gesture, and/or incredible coincidence) they meet again, they declare undying love for each other, and disappear off into the sunset together. Of course, there are innumerable variations on this basic plotline. It is not necessary that the two lead characters end up in each other's arms. Some examples of Romantic Comedies are You've got Mail, Forces of Nature, and Sweet HOme Alabama.
Please Do NOT confuse Romantic Comedy with Drama. They are two VERY different genres.
Drama
A drama is a fiction that depends mostly on in-depth character development, interaction, and highly emotional themes. In a good drama fiction, the reader is able to experience what other characters are feeling and identify with someone.
This genre could be especially useful by challenging the ignorance from stereotypes or any other overly simplistic generalizations by bringing it down to a more personal and complex level. As well, such movies could also be therapeutic by showing how characters cope with their problems, challenges, or issues, and to the extent ,the reader can identify with the characters with his or her own world. Some examples of Drama are Radio, Remember the Titans, and Apollo 13.
Do NOT confuse Drama with Romantic Comedy or Thriller. If in doubt, ask a MOD.
Thriller
The thriller is a broad genre of literature, with numerous overlapping sub-genres. Thrillers are suspenseful adventures with fast-paced plots and action, where resourceful heroes are pitted against villains (sometimes an internal demon), with the hero facing danger alone, or in the company of a small band of companions.
The hero may be a law enforcement agent, a journalist, a soldier, or an ordinary citizen, drawn into danger and intrigue by circumstances beyond his or her control. The plot is often driven by a villain, who presents obstacles that the hero must overcome.
A thriller uses suspense as an indispensable ingredient, evoking feelings of tension and excitement. Plot devices such as red herrings, foreshadowings, and cliffhangers are often employed. Some examples of Thrillers are Sleeping with the Enemy and Collateral Damage.
Do NOT confuse Thriller with Horror, they are DIFFERENT!
Horror
Horror fiction is, broadly, fiction in any medium intended to scare, unsettle or horrify the reader. Historically, the cause of the "horror" experience has often been the intrusion of an evil, or occasionally misunderstood, supernatural element into everyday human experience. Any work of fiction with a morbid, gruesome, surreal, exceptionally suspenseful or frightening theme is considered "horror." Horror fiction often overlaps with science fiction and/or fantasy. Some examples of Horror are A Nightmare on Elm Street, Holloween, The Pulse, and The Descent.
Science Fiction
Science Fiction, also called sci-fi, is a story written in which the story depends upon some change in the world as we know it that is explained by science or technology. The genre is usually written in an alternative reality or alternative universe.Events or activities that usually take place in a Science fiction are space travel, something about the future, technology that has not been invented yet, a race of a different species, and changes, mentally and or physically, in human beings. Some examples of Sci-Fi are Star Wars, Back to the Future, Star Trek, and AI: Artificial Intelligence.
Do NOT confuse Sci-Fi with anything dealing with magic. That is what is known as Fantasy, though Fantasy, Sci Fi, and even Horror tend to overlap.
Fantasy is a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. The genre is generally distinguished from science fiction and horror by overall look, feel, and theme of the individual work, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three. In a sense, fantasy covers works from ancient myths and legends. The story might take place in a fantasy world that is wholly different from our own, complete with distinct laws of nature that permit magic. Some examples of fantasies are Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, and the Chronicles of Narnia.
If you are looking for or have a piece that you don't feel fits into any of these four genres then, PLEASE PM a moderator and we will help you as best we can.