Narrative Genre

A Narrative Genre is a classification system that organizes narrative works (to create story categories based on content patterns, structural forms, and stylistic approaches).

• AKA: Story Genre, Story Type, Narrative Category.
• Context:
  • It can (typically) establish Genre Conventions through pattern recognition.
  • It can (typically) guide Story Creation through established frameworks.
  • It can (typically) shape Audience Expectations through familiar elements.
  • It can (typically) inform Critical Analysis through genre theory.
  • ...
  • It can (often) reflect Cultural Values through story patterns.
  • It can (often) evolve with Historical Changes through societal shifts.
  • It can (often) adapt to New Mediums through technological advancement.
  • It can (often) combine with other genres through genre hybridization.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Classical Genre to being an Experimental Genre, depending on its conventional adherence.
  • It can range from being a Single-Theme Genre to being a Multi-Theme Genre, depending on its thematic complexity.
  • It can range from being a Pure Genre Form to being a Hybrid Genre Form, depending on its genre integration.
  • ...
  • It can influence Story Elements through:
    • Plot Structures, such as three-act structure and hero journey.
    • Character Types, such as protagonist, antagonist, and supporting character.
    • Setting Types, such as historical setting, fantasy world, and urban environment.
    • Theme Types, such as coming of age, redemption, and social commentary.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Major Narrative Genres, such as:
    • Epic Genres, such as:
      • Heroic Epic, featuring grand quests and heroic deeds.
      • Mythological Epic, exploring divine intervention and cosmic conflict.
    • Tragedy Genres, such as:
      • Classical Tragedy, focusing on noble characters and fatal flaws.
      • Modern Tragedy, examining ordinary life and social pressures.
    • Comedy Genres, such as:
      • Satirical Comedy, critiquing social norms through humor.
      • Romantic Comedy, exploring love relationships with light tone.
  • Contemporary Narrative Genres, such as:
    • Speculative Genres, such as:
      • Science Fiction, exploring technological impact and future society.
      • Fantasy, featuring magical elements and mythical worlds.
    • Thriller Genres, such as:
      • Psychological Thriller, examining mental states and perception.
      • Crime Thriller, focusing on criminal activity and investigation.
  • Hybrid Genres, such as:
    • Science Fantasy, blending scientific concepts with magical elements.
    • Horror Comedy, combining fear with humor.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Non-Narrative Works, which lack story structure and character development.
  • Technical Writing, which focuses on information delivery rather than storytelling.
  • Abstract Art, which expresses through non-narrative forms.
  • Musical Composition, which communicates through sound rather than story.
• See: Genre Theory, Literary Form, Narrative Structure, Story Pattern, Media Type.

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_genre Retrieved:2024-2-23.
  • The concept of narrative genre encompasses the various categorizations of narratives based on thematic, stylistic, or formal criteria. This classification aids in the analysis and understanding of narratives, as well as in the identification of patterns and conventions across different cultures and historical periods. The versatility of narrative genres reflects the diverse ways in which stories can be told and experienced, adapting to the changing landscapes of culture, technology, and audience expectations.

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