Literature vs Fiction: Understanding the Difference

Study Notes

Fiction vs. Literature

Literature is an umbrella term that encompasses many genres, forms, and styles of writing, including fiction and non-fiction.
Fiction is a type of literature, but not all literature is fiction, as poetry, plays, and other forms of writing are also considered literature.

Characteristics of Fiction

Fiction is written to be read for pleasure, with clear themes, interesting characters, and an exciting plot.
The main aim of fiction is to entertain and inspire readers, taking them into imaginary worlds and introducing them to characters who grow, change, and develop.
Fiction can explore moral messages, emotions, and topics, aiming to educate readers and teach them something new.

Elements of Fiction

A protagonist is the hero of the story, while an antagonist is the villain.
The conflict is the fight between the protagonist and the antagonist, and can take five basic forms: person vs. self, person vs. person, person vs. society, person vs. nature, and person vs. supernatural.
The plot must have a beginning, middle, and end, with a climax as the most exciting part.
Fiction is about what the protagonist wants and who or what is stopping them from getting it, with character change and development being key.

Writing Techniques

The "show don't tell" technique is used to show the reader what's happening, rather than just telling them exactly what happens.
Story mapping is a technique that helps pupils plan and structure their story visually.

Interesting Facts

The world's oldest known fictional story is the 'Epic of Gilgamesh', an adventure story written in the style of a poem.
Modern examples of fiction include films, video games, anime, manga, comic books, TV shows, and cartoons.

Seven Important Elements of Fiction

Character: a person, animal, being, creature, or thing that you write into your fiction writing story.
Plot: the series of events and actions that make up the narrative of a story.
Other elements include theme, setting, point of view, style, and tone.

Description

Distinguish between fiction and literature, exploring the different genres, forms, and styles of writing. Learn what sets literature apart and how it encompasses various types of writing, including poetry and plays.