Stories are usually secular and associated with wars and victories. Long narratives detail the adventures of a single heroic figure. The center of action revolves around the relationship between the heroic figure and the gods. The main character symbolizes the ideal characteristics of greatness. Many were originally written as poetry or songs.
Language is lyrical, stately, and rich with images.
Fantasy and science fiction Characters or settings depart from what is realistic or expected. The author makes the impossible believable through logical framework and consistency, characters' acceptance of the fanciful, and use of appropriate language. Characters include humanized animals, good and evil stereotypes, eccentrics, heroes and heroines with magical powers, or extraterrestrial beings. Science fiction relies on hypothesized scientific advancements and raises questions about the future of humanity. Reading fantasy nurtures the imagination and can help young students come to grips with the differences between reality and truth.