List of narrative forms

Narrative forms have been subject to classification by literary theorists, in particular during the 1950s, a period which has been described metaphorically as the Linnaean period in the study of narrative.

Narrative forms include:

• Epic poem – a lengthy story of heroic exploits in the form of a poem
• Fable – a story that teaches a lesson, often using animal characters that behave like people
• Fantasy – a story about characters that may not be realistic and about events that could not really happen
• Folk tale – an old story that reveals the customs of a culture
• Historical fiction – stories about characters who might have lived in the past and about events that might have really happened in history, with some made up details and events
• Legend – a story that is based on fact but often includes exaggerations about the hero
• Myth – an ancient story often meant to explain the mysteries of life or nature
• Play – a story that is told mostly through dialogue and is meant to be performed on stage
• Realistic fiction – stories that portray characters and settings that could exist in real life, as well as events that could happen in real life
• Short story – a brief story that usually focuses on one character and one event
• Tall tale – a humorous story that tells about impossible happenings, exaggerating the accomplishment of the hero

See also

• Literary device
• Narrative mode

References

• Peterson, Shelley (2005). "Writing Across the Curriculum: Because All Teachers Teach Writing". Portage & Main Press,. pp. 88. http://books.google.com/books?id=uG_pJ3NirJgC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=&f=false. Retrieved 2009-10-01. 

Citations

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