Genre

A genre /ʒ'ɒnrə/ is a broad category of artistic expression that encompasses a certain style, form, or subject matter. It is a way of classifying creative works based on shared characteristics, themes, or elements (aka tropes). The purpose of genres is to help consumers find works that they are interested in and to provide a framework for analyzing and understanding creative works. In marketing and distribution, genres can help creators and publishers identify their target audience and promote their works more effectively.

Genres can also have sub-genres, which further refine the category based on more specific characteristics. Genres can also evolve over time as new styles or forms emerge or as existing styles blend or cross-pollinate with each other. For example, electronic dance music is a relatively new genre that has emerged in the last few decades and has since given rise to sub-genres like techno, house, and trance. In some cases, genres can become so popular that they define a particular era or cultural movement.

Overall, genres are a useful tool for categorizing and understanding creative works, but they should not be seen as strict boundaries that limit artistic expression. Many works of art, literature, and music blur the lines between genres or combine elements from multiple genres to create something new and unique. Bear in mind that genres are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and many series do straddle multiple genres.

Compare with tropes, which are commonly used storytelling devices or conventions that are recognizable to audiences. Tropes can be found within genres, as well as across different genres. In simpler terms, a genre is a category of story or media, while a trope is a recurring element or theme within that category. A genre can contain multiple tropes, but a trope can appear in various genres.

See Category:Genres for a list of articles describing different genres. Not to be mixed up with Genre Tropes, where tropes playing on genres are placed.