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Glossary

Fiction: GCSE English Definition

Nick Redgrove

Written by: Nick Redgrove

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

Published

Last updated

Contents

  1. 1. What is fiction?
  2. 2. What are the different types of fiction?
  3. 3. Examples of fiction
  4. 4. Revision resources to ace your exams

What is fiction?

In GCSE English English Literature and GCSE English Language, fiction refers to written texts that are made up and created from the author's imagination, rather than based on real events. Writing that is based on real events or experiences is known as non-fiction.

What are the different types of fiction?

The three main types of fiction are prose, poetry and drama. However, within these categories there are many subdivisions: different types of fiction, or genres. For example, even though they are all classed as "prose", science fiction, Gothic fiction and romance are very different in terms of their form, and expected features.

Examples of fiction

Type of fiction

Example texts

Drama

Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, An Inspector Calls

Prose

A Christmas Carol, Lord of the Flies

Poetry

Ozymandias, My Last Duchess

Revision resources to ace your exams

Explore the fictional texts included in your GCSE course, and how to analyse fiction in both your Literature and Language exams, by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.

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Author
Reviewer
Nick Redgrove

Author: Nick Redgrove

Expertise: English Senior Content Creator

Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

Deb Orrock

Author: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

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