Sci-Fi
What is a Warp Drive?
This propulsion system defies the laws of physics, allowing spaceships to travel faster than the speed of light.
What is Kitchen Sink Realism?
This subgenre of realistic fiction focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary people, often dealing with personal challenges and social issues.
What is Fictionalized Biography?
This subgenre of historical fiction blends factual events with fictional characters and narratives, creating a more immersive experience of a specific historical period.
What is Tragedy?
This type of drama focuses on serious and thought-provoking subjects, often ending with tragedy or suffering for the characters.
What is Suspense?
This element of drama is a key component that builds anticipation and uncertainty about what will happen next.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Feared for their ability to surpass human intelligence, these artificial minds are a common theme in science fiction
What is Bildungsroman?
Coming-of-age stories often fall under this umbrella of realistic fiction, as they explore the experiences and growth of young protagonists.
What is Microhistory?
Imagine a story set during the French Revolution, but with a fictional family caught in the midst of the historical upheaval. This approach to historical fiction focuses on the everyday lives of people during a significant event.
What is Comedy?
Think Shakespearean comedies like "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This subgenre focuses on humor, lighthearted conflicts, and happy endings.
What is Romantic Drama?
Think "Pride and Prejudice" or "Sense and Sensibility." This subgenre of drama focuses on the challenges and triumphs of characters navigating romantic relationships and societal expectations.
What is Post-Apocalyptic Fiction?
Imagine a world ravaged by climate change and societal collapse. This subgenre of sci-fi explores the struggles of humanity after such an event.
What is Social Realism?
Realistic fiction often delves into sensitive topics like poverty, addiction, or mental health struggles. These stories aim to create empathy and understanding for real-world problems.
What is High Historical Fiction?
This subgenre meticulously recreates a specific historical period, ensuring historical accuracy in details like clothing, customs, and social structures.
What is Domestic Drama?
This subgenre explores the complexities of human relationships, often focusing on domestic issues, family dynamics, and emotional journeys.
What is Psychological Gothic?
A recurring theme in Gothic fiction is the exploration of the darkness and potential for evil within the human psyche.
What is Space Opera?
Think Star Wars or Dune. This subgenre features large-scale space operas with grand adventures, epic battles, and advanced technology
What is Contemporary Fiction?
Unlike historical fiction, which focuses on the past, this subgenre uses realistic settings and characters to explore contemporary issues and social commentary.
What is Recent Historical Fiction?
Not all historical fiction is set in the distant past. This subgenre explores recent historical events, often blurring the lines between fact and interpretation.
What is Social Drama?
Think Ibsen's "A Doll's House" or Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." This drama subgenre uses social commentary to examine societal problems and injustices.
What is Gothic Horror?
Think Edgar Allan Poe's tales or "The Shining" by Stephen King. This subgenre combines elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, often set in gloomy and atmospheric settings.
What is Cyberpunk?
Blending science fiction with elements of horror, this subgenre explores themes of body modification and the blurring line between human and machine
What is Psychological Realism?
Think John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" or Alice Munro's short stories. This type of realistic fiction explores the complexities of human relationships and the psychological motivations of characters
What is Historical Mystery/Thriller?
Think Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose" or Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall." This subgenre uses historical settings as a backdrop for fictional mysteries, suspenseful narratives, or political intrigue.
What is Dramatic Thriller?
This subgenre combines elements of drama and suspense, building tension and exploring themes of fear, danger, and moral ambiguity.
What is the Gothic Byronic Hero?
A common theme in Gothic fiction is the presence of a brooding, mysterious, and often anti-heroic protagonist.