Genre is a category of artistic composition, including literature, music, and film, characterised by similarities in form, style, or subject matter. In literature, major genres include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama, with many subgenres such as mystery, romance, science fiction, and fantasy.

Genres help readers and critics classify and interpret works, and they often carry conventions that writers may follow or subvert. The study of genre examines how works fit into or challenge these categories and how genre expectations shape meaning.

Key points

• Category of artistic composition
• Based on form, style, or subject
• Includes many subgenres
• Conventions can be followed or subverted