CHARACTERISTIC OF FICTIONAL & NON-FICTIONAL

LECTURER :

Dr. Nur Syamsiyah M.Pd

Arranged by :

1. Fiska Andani (1811040279)

2. Sintia Devi Anindia (1811040492)

ENGLISH EDUCATION

STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF RADEN INTAN LAMPUNG

2020

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 PREFACE

First of all, thanks to Allah SWT because of the help of Allah, writer finished writing
the paper entitled “Characteristic of Fictional & Non-Fictional” right in the calculated time.

The purpose in writing this paper is to fulfill the assignment that given by Dr. Nur
Syamsiyah M.pd. as lecturer in Introduction to Literature. In arranging this paper, the writer
trully get lots challenges and obstructions but with help of many indiviuals, those
obstructions could passed. writer also realized there are still many mistakes in process of
writing this paper.

Because of that, the writer says thank you to all individuals who helps in the process
of writing this paper. Hopefully Allah replies all helps and bless you all the writer realized
that this paper still imperfect in arrangement and the content. Then the writer hope the
criticism from the readers can help the writer in perfecting the next paper. Last but not the
least Hopefully, this paper can helps the readers to gain more knowledge about Characteristic
Of Fictional & Non-Fictional                                                                       

Bandar Lampung, April 2, 2020

                                                                        Author

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION………………………………………………….1

CHAPTER 2 DISCUSSION……………………………………………………….2

A. Definition Of Fiction & non-fiction……………………………………2

B. Characteristics Of Fiction………………………………………………3

C. Characteristic Of Nonfioction…………………………………………5

CONCLUTION……………………………………………………………………..7

REFERENCE…………………………………………………………………….....8

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A poem is a collection of spoken or written words that expresses ideas or emotions in

a powerfully vivid and imaginative style A poem is comprised of a particular rhythmic and
metrical pattern. In fact, it is a literary technique that is different from prose or ordinary
speech, as it is either in metrical pattern or in free  verse Writers or poets express their
emotions through this medium more easily, as they face difficulty when expressing through
some other medium. It serves the purpose of a light to take the readers towards the right path.
Also, sometimes it teaches them a  moral lesson through sugar-coated language.

PROBLEM WILL BE RESEACHED

A. What is Definition Of Fiction & non-fiction?

B. What are Characteristics Of Fiction?

C. What are Characteristic Of Nonfioction?

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 CHAPTER II

DISCUSSION

A. Definition of fiction & non-fiction

1. Definition of Fiction

Etymologically, the word fiction has been derived from Latin word “fictus,” which means “to
form.” However, in literature, Merriam Webster defines it as, “literature in the form of prose,
especially novels, that describes imaginary events and people.”

In fact, it is one of the two branches of literature, the other being non-fiction. This particular
branch of literature consists of stories, novels, and dramas based on made-up and fabricated
stories and characters. Fiction contains certain symbolic and thematic features known as
“literary merits.” In other words, fiction narrates a story, which aims at something bigger than
merely a story. In this attempt, it comments on something significant related to social,
political, or human related issues.

Fiction may be based on stories of actual historical events. Although fictitious characters are
presented in a fictitious setting in stories and novels, they may have some resemblance to real
life events and characters. Writers alter their characters very skillfully when they take them
from actual life.

2. Definition Nonfiction

There are several important traits of all nonfiction works. Most importantly, nonfiction
writing must involve real people, places, and events. The stories told in nonfiction works
must be true. If something in the story is made-up, then it falls under fiction. Nonfiction must
also contain facts, which are information that can be proved to be true. With this in mind, a
writer can select and organize the facts in a number of ways in order to accomplish his
purpose. Some facts can be omitted, and others can be shown in a specific light, but overall,
facts must be present in the written work.

Most nonfiction works also have a similar author's purpose, which is the reason the author
writes. Most nonfiction is written to express or to inform. If the author's purpose is to express,

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the concepts expressed are always based on true, real-life situations. Because of this, one
could argue all nonfiction serves to inform the reader, as well.

B. Characteristics Of Fiction

1. Character

Author Jenna Blum described the process of creating a character: "It feels like having a string
dangle out of thin air and you pull on the string, and the next thing you know, a sweater knits
itself out of nowhere and you have a character who is made out of whole cloth.

Characterization is one of the five elements of fiction, along with plot, setting, theme, and
writing style. A character is a participant in the story, and is usually a person, but may be any
persona, identity, or entity whose existence originates from a fictional work or performance.

Characters may be of several types:

 Point-of-view character: the character by whom the story is viewed. The point-of-
view character may or may not also be the main character in the story.
 Protagonist: the main character of a story
 Antagonist: the character who stands in opposition to the protagonist
 Minor character: a character that interacts with the protagonist. They help the story
move along.
 Foil character: a (usually minor) character who has traits opposed to those of the main
character

2. Plot

The plot, or storyline, is the rendering and ordering of the events and actions of a story.
Starting with the initiating event, then the rising action, conflict, climax, falling action, and
ending possibly with a resolution.

Plot consists of action and reaction, also referred to as stimulus and response and has a
beginning, a middle, and an ending.

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The climax of the novel consists of a single action-packed sentence in which the conflict
(problem) of the novel is resolved. This sentence comes towards the end of the novel. The
main part of the action should come before the climax.

Plot also has a mid-level structure: scene and sequel. A scene is a unit of drama—where the
action occurs. Then, after a transition of some sort, comes the sequel—an emotional reaction
and regrouping, an aftermath.

3. Setting

Setting is the locale and time of a story. The setting is often a real place, but may be a
fictitious city or country within our own world; a different planet; or an alternate universe,
which may or may not have similarities with our own universe. Sometimes setting is referred
to as milieu, to include a context (such as society) beyond the immediate surroundings of the
story. It is basically where and when the story takes place.

4. Theme

Theme is what the author is trying to tell the reader. For example, the belief in the ultimate
good in people, or that things are not always what they seem. This is often referred to as the
"moral of the story." Some fiction contains advanced themes like morality, or the value of
life, whereas other stories have no theme, or a very shallow one.

5. Style

Style includes the multitude of choices fiction writers make, consciously or not, in the
process of writing a story. It encompasses not only the big-picture, strategic choices such as
point of view and choice of narrator, but also tactical choices of grammar, punctuation, word
usage, sentence and paragraph length and structure, tone, the use of imagery, chapter
selection, titles, etc. In the process of creating a story, these choices meld to become the
writer's voice, his or her own unique style.

For each piece of fiction, the author makes many choices, consciously or subconsciously,
which combine to form the writer's unique style. The components of style are numerous, but
include point of view, choice of narrator, fiction-writing mode, person and tense, grammar,
punctuation, word usage, sentence length and structure, paragraph length and structure, tone,
imagery, chapter usage, and title selection.

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6. Narrator

The narrator is the story teller. The main character in the book can also be the narrator.

7. Point of view

Point of view is the perspective (or type of personal or non-personal "lens") through which a
story is communicated. Narrative point of view or narrative perspective describes the position
of the narrator, that is, the character of the storyteller, in relation to the story being told.

8. Tone

The tone of a literary work expresses the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject
matter and audience.

9. Suspension of disbelief

Suspension of disbelief is the reader's temporary acceptance of story elements as believable,

regardless of how implausible they may seem in real life

C. Characteristics of Non-Fiction

1. The people, events, places, and ideas presented in nonfiction are real, not invented.
2. Nonfiction is narrated by an author who is a real person.
3. It presents facts, describes true-life experiences, or discusses ideas.
4. Nonfiction is written for a specific audience, or group of readers. In addition, it
addresses a clear purpose, or reason for writing. The audience and purpose influence
the type of information a writer includes.
5. Tone, the author’s attitude toward the subject or reader, is displayed through the
writer’s word choice and style.
6. The writer contributes more than information to nonfiction.
7. Style is the particular way in which a writer uses language. Style reflects an author’s
personality. Factors that contribute to an author’s style include level of formality, use
of figurative language, diction or word choice, sentence patterns, and methods of
organization.

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 8. Tone is the author’s attitude toward both the subject and readers or listeners. In
conversations, you can hear a speaker’s tone in the way words and phrases are
spoken. When reading, you can “hear” tone in an author’s choice of words and
details. The tone of a literary work can often be described with a single word such
as: pompous, playful, serious, personal, sarcastic, or friendly .
9. Perspective is the viewpoint or opinion an author expresses about the subject, either
directly or indirectly. Bias occurs when a writer makes a one-sided presentation (for
example, by ignoring relevant facts or by using emotional language that unfairly
sways readers’ or listeners’ feelings).
10. Purpose is the author’s reason for writing. Common purposes are to inform, to
persuade, to honor, to entertain, to explain, and to warn.

CONCLUTION

Fiction may be based on stories of actual historical events. Although fictitious characters are
presented in a fictitious setting in stories and novels, they may have some resemblance to real
life events and characters. Writers alter their characters very skillfully when they take them
from actual life.

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The stories told in nonfiction works must be true. If something in the story is made-up, then it
falls under fiction. Nonfiction must also contain facts, which are information that can be
proved to be true. With this in mind, a writer can select and organize the facts in a number of
ways in order to accomplish his purpose. Some facts can be omitted, and others can be shown
in a specific light, but overall, facts must be present in the written work.

REFERENCE

https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-characteristics-of-nonfiction-writing

https://web.csulb.edu/~yamadaty/EleFic.html