Typically a recount or retelling of a series of
exciting events leading to a high impact
resolution.
The most common structure is a
chronological narrative.
Mystery
Structure is often chronological, even in a
longer narrative, but complex structural
techniques are sometimes used for effect.
To intrigue and entertain.
Myths
To provide a fictional explanation for
natural phenomena.
Can pass on cultural, religious or
spiritual beliefs and traditions.
Legends
To provide information about the
way particular people lived, and
what they believed.
Structure is usually chronological,
with one episode told after another
Science Fiction
To entertain and, sometimes, to
speculate about the future.
Can use any of the varied structures
typical of narrative.
Fantasy
To entertain and to fuel the imagination.
May simply be a basic chronological
narrative set in a fantasy world but some
fantasy narratives extend the ‘fantastic’
element to the structure as well.
Historical fiction
To entertain and, sometimes, to inform.
Is about something that has already
happened in the past so a series of events
is usually the underlying structure.
Fables
The narrative drives towards the
closing moral statement
They are often very short
with few characters
They use it as a tool
to help them organize
their ideas and to
explore new ideas and
experiences