Fantasy
- Setting: A fantastical world with magic, mythical creatures, and supernatural elements.
- Characters: Heroes, villains, wizards, elves, dragons, and other non-human beings.
- Plot: Quests, battles, adventures, and the exploration of unknown realms.
- Themes: Good vs. evil, courage, friendship, and the power of belief.
- Examples: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, and Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
Science Fiction
- Setting: A future or alternate reality with advanced technology or scientific discoveries.
- Characters: Scientists, explorers, robots, aliens, and other futuristic beings.
- Plot: Technological advancements, space exploration, time travel, and the exploration of the unknown.
- Themes: The impact of technology on society, the nature of humanity, and the limits of the universe.
- Examples: Dune by Frank Herbert, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, and The Martian by Andy Weir.
Mystery
- Setting: A present-day or historical setting with an element of mystery or crime.
- Characters: Detectives, suspects, victims, witnesses, and other characters involved in the investigation.
- Plot: The investigation and solving of a mystery or crime, often involving clues, suspects, and red herrings.
- Themes: The search for truth, justice, and the consequences of crime.
- Examples: Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
Romance
- Setting: A present-day or historical setting with a focus on romantic relationships.
- Characters: Lovers, love triangles, best friends, and other characters involved in the romantic plot.
- Plot: The development and resolution of romantic relationships, typically with obstacles and challenges.
- Themes: Love, passion, heartbreak, and the power of relationships.
- Examples: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, and The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
Horror
- Setting: A dark and atmospheric setting with elements of fear, suspense, and the supernatural.
- Characters: Victims, monsters, ghosts, demons, and other horrifying beings.
- Plot: A sequence of events that create a sense of terror, dread, and unease.
- Themes: The nature of evil, the limits of human endurance, and the fragility of sanity.
- Examples: The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty, It by Stephen King, and The Shining by Stanley Kubrick.