Fiction text types - OCRDifferent forms of prose fiction
Fiction is usually made up by the writer. Fiction texts could be based on the writerâs own life experiences or come from their imagination (or be a mixture of the two).
Most prose fiction is presented in the form of a novel, novella or short story.
The word ânovelâ comes from Latin and Italian origin and means 'newâ. Novels became popular with readers in the 18th century, so are a fairly new type of fiction compared with poetry and drama.
Prose texts are usually defined by their length, though there are other differences:
Short stories
Tell a complete story in a few thousand words.
Have a limited number of characters.
Are sometimes more about conveying an atmosphere than plot.
Often leave questions unanswered for the reader to think about.
Some writers are famous for their short stories. Philip K Dick, the science-fiction writer, wrote short stories that were turned into the films Minority Report, Total Recall and The Adjustment Bureau.
Novellas
Are mid-way in length between short stories and a full-length novel.
Usually have one plot-line.
Are not always divided into chapters.
A novella you may have heard of is Charles Dickensâs A Christmas Carol. Another famous novella is John Steinbeckâs Of Mice and Men. Although these forms are short, they provide the reader with a vivid snapshot of life and have well developed characters.
Novels
Are a relatively modern form of literature.
Often have a number of different plot lines which can support or contrast each other.
Usually have several characters and their stories.
Are often divided into chapters.
Normally tie up all the loose ends by the end of the book.
Some famous novels which you might have heard of include - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, and Life of Pi by Yann Martel.