Main Types of Literature and Narrative Structures

Narrative Genre

The narrative genre opens the doors to the realm of events as they were (past), what is (present), and what will be (future).

Legend

A legend is a short story by an anonymous author, transmitted orally from generation to generation and modified over time. It is man's response to transcendent questions—an answer that is more closely linked to faith within a particular context.

Folk Tale

A folk tale is an anonymous short story where fictitious actions develop, ending in a happy conclusion. It is transmitted orally from generation to generation, and different versions exist.

Folk Tale Features:

• There are no large descriptions.
• Space and time are undetermined.
• The use of formulas and repetitions.

The Novel

The novel is a long story written in prose in which characters and events are involved in a particular space and time; it is narrated in an organized and artistic form within a coherent structure.

Types of Narrators:

• Protagonist Narrator: Speaking in the first person, establishing a high degree of personification and knowledge.
• Witness Narrator: A narrative of events without being a protagonist.
• Omniscient Narrator: Not part of the events, but he knows everything—what the characters do and feel.

Lyrical Genre

The lyrical genre is used to express the subjectivity of the writer through poems, which relate to personal experiences or feelings.

Dramatic Genre

The dramatic genre comes from the Greek word drao, meaning action. In classical antiquity, it was defined as an imitation or parody of man. It implies the presence of three items:

• The Author: The person who writes the work.
• The Actor: The person who plays the characters.
• The Spectator: The person who watches and observes the work live.

The basic form of the language of drama is dialogue. Since drama is action, it involves conflict and characters interacting, causing the dramatic action.

Tragedy

Tragedy is a drama depicting the struggle of mankind against forces greater than him.

Comedy

Comedy is a drama characterized by main characters facing the difficulties of everyday life. The comedy genre originates from the Greek world.

Tragicomedy

Tragicomedy is a drama that emerged in the 17th century and incorporates elements of both; on one side, it represents a situation that can be both joyful and painful, and on the other, an end that may conclude happily or tragically.