genre

A genre is a category of artistic works defined by shared conventions, styles, or subject matter. The term is used across literature, film, television, music, theater, video games, and other media to group works and shape expectations. Genre boundaries are not fixed; they shift with culture, technology, and industry practices.

Conventions are typical elements that recur in a genre: settings, character types, plot structures, motifs, and tonal qualities. Examples include science fiction's speculative technology, detective fiction's sleuth and puzzle, romance's emotional stakes, and horror's threat and atmosphere. Many works combine conventions from multiple genres to create hybrid or cross-genre works.

Classification aids creation and reception: it guides authors, producers, and marketers; helps critics compare works; assists audiences in choosing what to read or watch. Subgenres refine broad categories, such as romantic comedy, cyberpunk, or cozy mystery.

Genres are dynamic. They evolve with new trends, audience tastes, and cultural changes, and can be subverted or reinterpreted. Hybrid genres can challenge assumptions, while formulaic works can reinforce expectations. In some contexts, genre can be a marketing label rather than a strict art form.

The concept of genre functions similarly in other media: music genres group styles by rhythm, instrumentation, and tradition; video games categorize by mechanics and setting; theatrical genres differentiate forms such as tragedy and comedy. Together, genre provides a framework for analysis, classification, and creation.