Literary Terms Cover Image

Literary Terms

Start Free Trial

What is fiction?

Fiction is a broad category of literary works that depicts any imagined and invented story for the purpose of entertainment, instruction, or both.

Fiction

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Fiction is a category of literary prose works that feature invented stories and characters, rather than real events or people. While some such works might be set in a real location, feature real events, or include real people as characters, any deviation from fact places that work within the category of fiction. 

In a broader sense, the term fiction can be applied to any account of unreal events. In a literary context, the term applies specifically to prose narratives with fabricated elements.

Fiction evolved from the Latin word fingere, meaning “to form, to shape, to feign.” 

Any novel is a work of fiction. Consider, for example, the works of George Eliot, Amy Tan, Ralph Ellison, and Willa Cather.

see: allegory, comedy, drama, epic, fable, fantasy, folktale, folklore, novel, parable, saga, science fiction, short story, story, tragedy

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Farce

Next

Figure of Speech

Loading...