John Curtis, works at Identity

Answered Apr 16 2016

As a writer I think the standard definitions actually explain it best. "Fantasy is
a genreof fiction that uses magic or other supernatural elements as a
main plot element, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary
worldswhere magic and magical creatures are common. Fantasy is generally distinguished
from the genres of science fiction and horror by the expectation that it steers clear of
scientific and macabre themes, respectively, though there is a great deal of overlap between
the three, all of which are subgenres of speculative fiction."

"Reality is the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or
might be imagined." In a wider definition, reality includes everything that is and has been,
whether or not it is observable or comprehensible. A still broader definition includes
everything that has existed, exists, or will exist.

So then, in my novel, THE CODE by Jay Curtis (me), the plot is fiction about terrorism,
nuclear terrorism, the bible code described in the non-fiction book of the same name. It is
fiction but based on reality and things that could happen under existing technology and
science projected forward. Fantasy on the other hand begins and ends with things that can't
happen under existing technology and science.

So then, Star Wars, Star Trek, what are they? I put them as reality based fiction, projecting
forward science and technology. But, Harry Potter is fantasy, based on no scientific or
technological projections. It is otherworldly.

Fantasy can be regarded as "other reality." Reality is here and now but also what is possible
to come from what is here and now.

haracters, plot, setting, theme, events, problems, mirror real life. May be based on real life events, but
setting is more every time than historical setting.

Story Elements

Characterization

 Characterization Characters are ordinary real people.

 Characters usually change as a result of a problem and must to be able to
resolve it.

Setting

 Place is imaginary, but possible.

 Time is anytime or no time.
 Can take a hard line and say it must be of this world and totally plausble as
we know this world from immediate present to past. Or could move toward
future and include science fiction, time travel. However, if and where would
science fiction and other future fantasy fit?
Plot

 Must be plausable and believable.

 Usually problem or puzzling event for characters to resolve.
 Reader/listener usually feel that the story really happened or may want to
believe that it did.

Theme

 Life themes as well as good versus bad/evil.

Style

 Author usually uses foreshadowing or clues to tease the reader/listener's

curiosity.
 Events are accurate, but don't necessarily real life.
 Dialog, artifacts, feelings, are from the real world and described accurately.

Tone

 Feel that it really happened. Children will often ask if it was real and be
disappointed when told, no.

Point of View

 Could be any. Often third person narrative.