17 Story Types That Shape Every Plot

Storytelling is an effective technique to write different types of stories. To be good at it, you should know about the different ways to write.

Story writing demands your effort, time, and creative thoughts. Everyone can write stories but making them interesting, exciting and unique is a bit hard.

In this article, we are going to discuss some of the main types of narrative writing. Knowing these types of stories helps you become a better writer. You can use this knowledge to write your own exciting stories. Whether you want to write or just enjoy stories, understanding these types helps you explore new worlds through words.

Let’s begin!

17 Story Writing Methods Every Writer Should Know!

Here are the most amazing and common types of stories that will help you to understand each type with their examples.

I’m going to categorize the basic type of stories with their specific further kinds. Let’s start!

Part 1: Storytelling genres

In "Storytelling Genres," we explore different kinds of stories, each with its own special flavor. It's like a variety of stories to choose from!

Everyone can find one they enjoy whether it's adventures, mysteries, or love stories. Each type of story is a different journey. So, let's start getting to know about the wonderful world of storytelling genres:

1. Novel

A novel is a big story in a book where you get to know the characters, see their problems, and watch them change.

For example:

"Harry Potter" books. They take you on an exciting adventure in a magical world, where Harry and his friends grow up and have many challenges.

2. Novella

A novella is like a shorter novel but still tells an interesting story. Imagine it like a short movie. In novella writing, the story focuses on one important event or follows a character's big change or adventure. It's like getting the most exciting parts of a story in a short and thrilling way.

For instance:

"The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is a perfect example of a novella. It takes you on a unique journey that's simple yet profound, teaching important life lessons in just a few pages.

3. Short story

Short story is like a quick snapshot or a single scene told with words. It's like a mini-movie that lasts just a few pages. Short stories are straight to the point, often built around one big idea or event.

They tell you a whole story in a short amount of time, leaving a strong impression. A famous short story is "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway. It's a powerful tale about an old fisherman's struggle with a giant fish.

Even though the story is short, it's full of meaning and stays with you long after you've finished reading.

 4. Fantasy

Fantasy stories are like magical doorways to worlds where anything can happen. Think of places where dragons fly in the sky and magic is everywhere. In these stories, you'll find all sorts of amazing creatures and adventures in lands that don't exist in our world. 

For example:

"The Chronicles of Narnia" series is a great example of fantasy. These books take you to a place called Narnia, a world full of talking animals, brave kids, and lots of magic. It's like stepping into a dream where the impossible becomes real, and every corner hides something wonderful and exciting.

5. Romance

Romance stories are all about the heart. They explore love, relationships, and the deep connections people can have with each other. It's like riding a rollercoaster of emotions, full of ups and downs, happiness and sometimes tears. These stories often show us the joys and challenges of falling in love.

For Example:

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green is a beautiful example of a romantic short story. It's about two young people who fall in love while dealing with really tough situations.

The story is touching and shows that love can be strong and beautiful, even when things are hard. Reading a romance is like opening a window into the heartfelt moments of life.

6. Thriller

These are the kind of stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. They're packed with danger, suspense, and lots of surprises that you never see coming. It's like being on a rollercoaster of excitement and mystery. In thriller story writing, the action is fast, and the stakes are high.

For Example:

"The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown is a great example. It's a book where a mystery from the past mixes with modern-day secrets and adventure. Reading a thriller is like being in a high-speed chase where you're trying to put together a puzzle while your heart races the whole time.

7. Historical fiction

Historical fiction writing is like a time machine in the form of a book. It takes you back to a specific time in history, but the story is made up. These stories blend real-world events and settings from the past with fictional characters and adventures. It's like watching history come to life through a storyteller's imagination.

For Example:

"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak is a great example. It's set during World War II and tells the story of a young girl's life in Germany during that time. Reading historical fiction is like going on a journey to the past and seeing what life might have been like, all while enjoying a really good story.

Part 2: Creative nonfiction

Creative non fiction is like taking a walk through real life, but with the flair of storytelling. In this type of writing, the stories are true, but they're told in a way that feels like reading a novel or watching a movie.

It's about real people, real events, and real places, but the storytelling is an effective technique that you get wrapped up in it just like a story from the imagination.

Here are different types of stories that includes in non-fiction stories:

1. Memoir

A memoir is like a personal treasure box filled with special stories from someone's life. It highlights the most unforgettable moments, the exciting adventures, the sad times, and even the funny incidents.

It's not about telling every single thing that happened in the person's life. Instead, it focuses on those unique experiences that are too interesting and important to keep to themselves.

For example:

"I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai is like having a conversation with Malala. She shares her own story about standing up for girls' education and her bravery in facing challenges. Reading a memoir is like listening to a friend share their most meaningful and life-changing stories.

2. Autobiography

An autobiography is like someone creating a complete and detailed painting of their own life. It covers their entire life story, from when they were very young to their later years. It includes all the major events, changes, and important moments that happened along the way.

For Example:

"Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela is an excellent example of an autobiography. Reading it is like taking a walk with Mandela himself, experiencing his life's journey.

You get to see him grow from a young boy into a great leader. Autobiographies allow you to step into someone else's shoes and see the world through their eyes, from their earliest memories to their greatest achievements.

3. Biography

A biography is like a true story about someone's life, written by another person. It's like getting to know someone famous or really interesting through a book. The author does a lot of research to tell you about this person's life, their ups and downs, and what made them special.

For instance:

"Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson is a biography that tells you about the life of Apple's co-founder, Steve Jobs. It's like getting an inside look at how he lived and what made him such an important figure in the world of technology.

 Part 3: Other writing forms

Here are the stories that are not just read but also performed or expressed in unique ways. This part covers everything from plays, which are scripts for actors to perform on stage, to screenplays that become the movies and TV shows we love.

Each of these types of stories forms its own special way of telling a story or sharing an idea. Different story types have specified elements of story writing that are used to make the narratives better and engaging. Let’s take a look on them:

1. Play

A play is a script that actors bring to life on a stage. It's like watching a story unfold right in front of you, with real people acting out the characters. The words written by the playwright guide everything you see and hear.

For example:

"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare is a famous play. It's about a prince seeking revenge, and when it's performed, you can see the characters, feel their emotions, and get pulled into their world. Watching a play is like being part of the story, as it happens live and right before your eyes.

2. Screenplay

A screenplay is what writers use to tell a story for a movie or TV show. It's like a detailed plan that includes all the dialogue (what the characters say) and actions (what they do). It guides the actors and directors to bring the story to life on screen.

For example:

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" started as a screenplay. This script transformed J.K. Rowling's book into the movie we watch. It's the blueprint that turns words on a page into all the exciting scenes and magical moments you see in the film.

3. Poetry

Poetry is a special way of writing where words are used to create feelings and pictures, almost like a song without music. It's usually shorter than stories and can have lines that rhyme or have a certain beat.

A good example is "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe. This poem uses words to make you feel as if you're in a mysterious, eerie place. Reading it, you can almost hear the sound of the raven and feel the spooky atmosphere Poe creates. It's like a word painting, drawing images and emotions in your mind.

Part 4: Literary devices and styles

This part is all about the techniques and styles that make writing unique and interesting. From narrative writing, which tells a story in order, to descriptive writing that paints vivid pictures with words, each style has its own way of capturing your imagination.

Each of these styles uses words in special ways to create different effects and feelings, showing just how creative writing can be.

1. Narrative writing

Narrative writing is all about telling a story from beginning to end. It's like sitting down to hear a great tale, with characters, events, and a plot that unfolds as you read.

You can also use an online tool, like an AI story maker, to quickly produce well-written and compelling stories. It only requires a single keyword or your story title and provides you with a story featuring a perfect layout.

The tool uses advanced algorithms that understand what humans find easy to read. It’s user-friendly and beneficial for generating a wide range of ideas and creating a complete, informative story with just a single click.

For Example: 

"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White is a classic example of narrative writing. In this story, you follow the adventures of Wilbur the pig and his wise spider friend, Charlotte. As you read, it's like you're right there in the barn with them, experiencing their friendship and the plan to save Wilbur. Narrative writing takes you on a journey, letting you see and feel everything through the characters' eyes.

2. Descriptive writing

Descriptive writing is like using words to create a vivid picture in your mind. It's all about describing things so well that you can almost see, hear, smell, and feel them just by reading.

For Example:

"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien is full of descriptive writing. When you read it, Tolkien's words make you feel like you're actually in the Shire, seeing the green hills, the cozy hobbit-holes, and smelling the fresh air. It's like the words on the page turn into a movie in your head, showing you exactly what the places and characters look like.

3. Persuasive writing

Persuasive writing is like making a strong case to convince you about an idea or opinion. The writer uses reasons and sometimes emotions to make you see things their way.

A famous example is Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. In this speech, he powerfully argued for equality and civil rights. It's like listening to someone who feels very strongly about something and explains it in a way that might change your mind or make you believe in their cause.

Persuasive writing isn't just stating facts; it's about getting the reader to agree with the writer's point of view.

4. Expository writing

Expository writing is all about explaining things clearly and factually. It's like a teacher giving you information on a topic, without adding personal feelings or opinions. Imagine reading a science textbook that explains “how volcanoes erupt”.

The book would give you all the details, step by step, helping you understand exactly how and why volcanoes work the way they do. Expository writing is great for learning about things in a straightforward way. It breaks down complex ideas into parts that are easier to grasp, just like a teacher explaining a lesson in class.

Final thought

This guide openly discussed all types of story writing. Whether you're a writer or a reader, these story types help you in writing better stories, offering adventures, insights, and emotions that resonate across time and culture.

In this guide a few examples like "Harry Potter" and "The Fault in Our Stars" illustrate the magic of storytelling. So read it carefully and follow each type for specific story writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between genre and story type?

A genre is the category like mystery or romance, while story type refers to the structure or writing style used to tell the story.

Can I mix different story types in one piece?

Yes, many writers blend types like combining narrative with dialogue or descriptive elements for more engaging storytelling.

Are these story types useful for both fiction and nonfiction?

Absolutely! Story writing types can be applied to fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and even marketing content.