Introduction to Fiction:

Modern Fiction
Usma Nur Dian Rosyidah
 Definition
Originally defined as anything
made up, created, or shaped.
**Refined Definition: Prose
story based on the imagination
of the author.
Forms of Fiction

Short Story Novel Novella

Short work that creates a Prose narrative of considerable Fictional narrative that is
single impression on the length, portraying characters, longer and more complex
reader. actions, and scenes than a short story.
Elements of Fiction
Here are some elements that form fictions:

● Plot: text structure

● Characters
● Setting: where and when the story takes place
● Point of View: ‘who’ narrates the story
● Symbol
● Theme
● Etc
 Ancient vs
Modern Fiction
Ancient Fiction: Fable, Parable, Tale

1 3
Not realistic No details; quick and
simple plots

2 4
Non-human characters Aim at a quick and
simple moral (lesson)
Modern Fiction: Short Story, Novel

1 2 3
Verisimilitude: Realistic
(life-like) presentation of Real (human characters) Minute details
events
Cont.

4 5
Not reality but an illusion Modern fiction is the genre of the
of reality Middle Class. The Industrial
Revolution created the Middle
Class and the novel became the
new form of literature which
represented the difficulties
encountering Middle Class people.
Short Story and Novel
 01
Short Story
Elements and types
A. Elements
Short stories generally have limited
narrative, and lack of complex plot, and
generally focus on one particular or
specific circumstance or adventure.
It comprises a minimal cast of characters.
as short stories are shorter in length, they
have one or few important episodes and
scenes and focuses on one plot, one
theme, and one main character.
B. Types
Short stories come with different
categories like action, comedy,
crime, romance, satire, detective,
science fiction, fable, thriller,
mystery, history, mini saga, flash
fiction, supernatural.
Mini saga: A Short story compiling of exactly 50 words, and it
must create a complete story.

Flash fiction: the types of stories range between to 2000

words. with the lack of traditional plot and character these
stories are often characterized by sudden twist and fate.

Magical Realism: These type of short stories depicts the real

world with fantastical, magical elements that consider normal
here.

Mini Saga, Flash Fiction, Magical Realism

02
Novel
Elements and types
A. Elements
Like the novel, it doesn’t focus on the
particular incident, With giving space to the
complex situation the extension of the novel
allows to develop the plot more broad and
deep.

It focuses on many situations or

circumstances and adventures. It has many
characters, plots, themes, subplots which
make it more complex than other literary
genres. and generally divided into different
chapters.
B. Types
Like short stories, novels do have the
category of detective, mystery, thriller,
and romance but as the novels have
stronger plot and base for the writers
to enrich with their writing masterpiece,
novels also have the categories of
Picaresque, realistic, gothic, historical,
autobiography, sentimental,
psychological, epistolary, and pastoral
novels.
Types of Novel
Gothic novel: This novel genre of literature covers horror death and at times
romance. it is also associated with mystery and conspiracy surrounding the
supernatural.

Historical novel: A type of novel which sets in history, and provides a

ready-made plot and characters. It attempts to convey the spirits and social
condition of the past age with realistic detail to historical facts.

Epistolary novel: The primary concern of this writing is to give readers a

comprehensive view of the character’s felling and thoughts and the
development of direct connections with the events through letters.

Pastoral novel: These novels depict the rural life, society of shepherds who
are free from the complexity and crookedness of city life.
Differences between Short Story and Fiction
 Three Main
Categories of
Fiction
1. Literary Fiction
● Literary fiction is often non-conventional in plot structure but contains embedded
symbolism or allegory.
● Literary fiction tends to place character before plot. This allows for more space for the
inner thoughts of characters, their backstory, and the point of view of the main character.
● In addition, literary fiction slows down the narrative to focus on themes and subtext.
● Literary fiction can be short story, novella, or novel.

EXAMPLES:
1. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise(1920): Fitzgerald’s first book, which examines
greed, morals, and ambition in the societal fallout from World War I, launched him to
literary stardom.
2. James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room(1956): This book explores homosexuality and bisexuality
through the eyes of an American man who lives in Paris.
3. Stephen Crane’s 1897 book “The Open Boat”: is a short adaptation of Crane’s personal
experience as a survivor from a shipwreck.
4. Richard Ford’s Sportswriter(1986): Ford’s story of a father in existential crisis after the
death of his son shows the sort of internal machinations that can be found in literary
fiction.
2. Genre Fiction
Genre fiction refers to a genre of
fiction that is more popular and
populist than literary fiction. Genre
fiction typically includes genres like
romance, mystery thriller, horror and
fantasy.
9 Types of Genre Fiction
1. Mystery: The hook is the most important element of mystery fiction. It usually involves a
murder, suspenseful pacing and a satisfying ending that addresses all of the reader’s
questions. The most popular mystery subgenres are cozy mysteries, true crime novels and
whodunnits. James. James Patterson, bestselling author, teaches you how to write mystery
novels.

2. Thriller: These genres are closely related to mystery and thrillers. They increase the shock
and suspense of popular genre fiction. With their thriller titles Dan Brown and David
Baldacci, Stephen King is the master of contemporary horror. The category includes many
sub-genres such as legal, psychological, criminal, and political espionage. Here are the key
elements of a bestseller thriller novel.

3. Romance: Romance novels are works of prose fiction that have a love theme. Romance
novels are about the creation of a romantic relationship between people. They have an
emotional through line and a tendency to lead to an optimistic conclusion. Here are some
romance novel-writing prompts to get you started.
Cont.
4. Science fiction: Sci-fi novels often take place in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic future. They
imagine alternate worlds or futures. Many sci-fi stories are set in the future or past of a
dystopian society. While science fiction can be set in historical settings, most books are set in
the future. They deal with the consequences of scientific and technological advancements. Here
are some science fiction writing tips.

5. Fantasy: You are probably familiar with J.R.R., one of the great literary figures in fantasy
worldbuilding. Tolkien (C.S. Lewis, C.S. Martin. Fantasy novels are known for their fantasy
characters, which include mythological creatures and medieval-style kingdoms that spread
across imagined lands. There are many fantasy subgenres, including urban fantasy and
steampunk. Here are some tips for writing fantasy novels.

6. Young adult: Young fiction is targeted at 11-15-year-olds. However, a large number of adults
are now reading YA novels thanks to the huge success of Suzanne Collins.Hunger Games Trilogy.
These stories are more mature and have deeper themes than their middle-grade counterparts.
Our guide teaches you how to write a young adult novel.
Cont.
7. Historical fiction: Historical novels allow you to look at the past through new eyes, and
imagine the inner lives of characters based on historical events. Find out more about historical
fiction by reading our overview.

8. Magical Realism: Magical reality is a type of literature that portrays the real world with a
undercurrent of magic and fantasy. The world of magical realism is grounded in reality, but the
fantasy elements are normal. Magical realism novels, novellas and short stories blur the lines
between reality and fantasy, much like fairy tales. This guide will help you learn everything you
need to know about magical realism.

9. Speculative fiction: Speculative fiction stories often take place in a familiar setting that has
been twisted in some way. They might combine the familiar with the unfamiliar in an alternate
history or take an idea from the current society and push it further down the road. This fiction
can anticipate multiple futures even though humans may only be able to think in a short term.
Find out more about speculative fiction.
3. Mainstream Fiction
● It’s mainstream when a literary novel or genre novel becomes so popular that it attracts
new readers and is a bestseller, this is called a “mainstream” novel. Popularity is the
defining characteristic for mainstream fiction.

EXAMPLES:
1. J.K. Rowling Harry Potter(1997): The series started as a middle-grade fantasy novel, but it
created a world so captivating that adults could also enjoy it. It became a huge film and
theater franchise.
2. Stephen King’s The Stand(1978): Stephen King’s horror novels can be enjoyed by anyone.
Books like The Shining? Carrie And It All became part of pop culture’s zeitgeist.
3. Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code(2000): This book and its sequels combine elements from
historical fiction with a fast-paced thriller pace. They appeal to art history enthusiasts and
suspense-seekers alike. Here’s how Dan Brown, bestselling author, teaches you how to
write thriller novels.
Thank You