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Fantasy
Fantasy
and Fantasy
Elements of
Science Fiction
Realistic and fantastic details
Grounded in science
Unknown inventions
Makes a serious comment about the world
Often contains a warning for humankind
Science Fiction Settings
Another planet
Under the oceans
Another dimension of existence
May be a utopia or dystopia
May be in the future
May time travel to the past or future
May take place in present, but alternate reality
Science Fiction Characters
and Conflict
Protagonist (hero)
Antagonist (villain)
These characters may be a being (human or
other) or may be a force
Characters may include creatures, robots, aliens,
machines, etc.
Conflict may center around a society’s laws, a
disease or other problem, technology
Science is Important to the
Story
Advanced technology
Genetics
Disease
Exploration
Special powers or senses as a result of science
Science can be the savior or the root of the
problem
Science Fiction vs. Fantasy
Science fiction is based in fact: some of the
technology is invented, some of the places are
made up, but all of it is conceivable
Fantasy is not based in reality: it is purely
imaginative
Elements of Fantasy
Contains supernatural elements such as magic
and shape-shifting
Characters use magical transportation such as
flying broomsticks and magic portals
Conflict centers around good vs. evil
Author’s purpose is to entertain, not to make a
social commentary or issue a warning
Fantasy Settings
A magical world
A parallel world that is entered
through a portal
Fantasy settings: Hogwarts, Narnia,
Oz
Fantasy Characters and
Conflict
Characters may include witches,
wizards, sorcerers, talking animals,
ogres, elves, unicorns, magical beasts,
vampires, and werewolves
Conflict is usually good vs. evil
Final thoughts
Sometimes the two genres overlap
New term: science fantasy
Rod Serling said, “Fantasy is the impossible
made probable. Science fiction is the improbable
made possible."