Transcript Elements of Science Fiction

Elements of Science Fiction
What is
Science Fiction

A writing style that combines science and fiction

Theodore Sturgeon, Science Fiction author, (he even wrote episodes
of Star Trek) defines Science Fiction as “ a story about human beings,
with a human problem and a human solution which would not have
happened at all without it’s scientific content.”
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Science fiction stories all contain the following elements:
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Time or Space
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Possibility of the event happening
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Affect on humans
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Advanced Technology
Science Fiction vs. Fantasy
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In Science Fiction, there needs to be some possibility that the events
could possibly happen.
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In Fantasy, the author can use far fetched assumptions and does not
concern themselves with whether or not the events could possibly
happen.
More Elements of
Science Fiction

Realistic and fantastic details
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Grounded in science
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Usually set in the future
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Unknown inventions
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Makes a serious comment about the world
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Often contains a warning for humankind
Science Fiction Settings
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Another planet
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Under the oceans
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Another dimension of existence
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May be a utopia or dystopia
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May be in the future
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May time travel to the past (or future)
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May take place in present, but alternate reality
Science Fiction Characters
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Protagonist (Hero)
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Antagonist (Villian)
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These characters may be a being (human or
other) or may be a force

Protagonist or Antagonist may be a society’s
laws, a disease or other problem, technology, etc.
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Creatures, robots, aliens, etc.
Science is Important to the
Story
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Advanced technology
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Genetics
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Disease
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Exploration
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Special powers or senses as a result of science
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Science can be the savior or the root of the
problem
Message or Warning for
Humans

Science Fiction stories often contain a message
or warning

You may want to consider the message
BEFORE you begin planning your story. We
will discuss this in more detail next week!