Fiction
Definition
Fiction refers to literature created from the imagination, not presented as fact, though it may be based on a true story or situation. It is a genre that uses invented or imaginative writing, instead of a factual or accurate explanation of events. Types of literature in the fiction genre include the novel, short story, and novella. The word is from the Latin fictiō, “the act of making, fashioning, or molding.”
Characteristics
Fiction is characterized by the following elements:
- Narrative form: Fiction is a form of narrative, one of the four rhetorical modes of discourse. Fiction-writing also has distinct forms of expression, or modes, each with its own purposes and conventions. Agent and patient, the characters and the action, are typically the core of the narrative.
- Imaginative content: Fiction is commonly broken down into a variety of subgenres, distinguished by the particular conventions they employ, the kind of experience they provide, and the manner in which they do so.
- Realistic context: While fiction may depict specific, real-world settings or people, it does not present a factual account of actual events. Instead, it uses the power of description and the resonance of common human experiences to evoke emotions and create a sense of familiarity and understanding.
Types of Fiction
Fiction is divided into genres and sub-genres. Although the number of genres is disputed, they are commonly divided into categories such as:
- Literary Fiction: Literary fiction is a term used to distinguish certain fictional works that possess commonly agreed upon qualities of merit. These include complexity, depth, and subtlety of characterization and setting, as well as other qualities generally associated with literary merit.
- Genre Fiction: Genre fiction, also known as popular fiction, is a term used to distinguish fictional works written with the intent of fitting into a specific literary genre, in order to appeal to readers and fans already familiar with that genre.
- Speculative Fiction: Speculative fiction is a broad category of fiction encompassing genres with certain elements that do not exist in the real world, often in the context of supernatural, futuristic, or other imaginative themes. This includes, but is not limited to, science fiction, fantasy, superhero fiction, horror, utopian and dystopian fiction, fairytale fantasy, and supernatural fiction.
Creation of Fiction
Fiction is created through a complex process that is often very individual to the author. However, several common elements can be identified:
- Idea Generation: The process of creating fiction often begins with a basic idea, which may be inspired by an event, a character, a setting, or a concept.
- Plot Development: The plot of a work of fiction is its sequence of events. The plot is not merely the action itself, but the way the author arranges actions in an order to construct the story.
- Character Creation: Characters are the heart of any story, and require significant development. The personality, appearance, and background of each character are carefully crafted to fit into the story.
- Setting: The setting of a work of fiction is the time and place in which it occurs. The setting can be as specific as a particular room in a house, or as broad as a whole universe.
Impact of Fiction
Fiction has a profound impact on society and individuals. It can:
- Educate: Fiction can introduce readers to new concepts, cultures, and perspectives that they may not otherwise encounter.
- Entertain: Fiction provides entertainment, helping readers to relax and providing a form of escapism from the real world.
- Inspire: Fiction can inspire readers, sparking creativity and encouraging them to think in new and different ways.
- Challenge: Fiction can challenge readers, forcing them to question their beliefs and assumptions.