Elements of
Science Fiction
What is Science Fiction?
A writing style that combines science and
fiction
 It is driven by the desire to ponder the
question “What if…”
 It is only limited by our imagination!
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“Science Fiction is a story about human
beings, with a human problem and human
solutions which would not have happened
at all without its scientific content.”
~ Theodore Sturgeon
Science Fiction author
Science Fiction vs. Fantasy
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Science Fiction- a form of fiction that draws imaginatively on
scientific knowledge and speculation in its plot, setting, theme,
etc.
Ender’s Game, Dune, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I am Legend.
*It always ties back to science.*
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Fantasy- stories set in fanciful, invented worlds, an alternate
and more fanciful version of our own world, or in a legendary,
mythic past. Fantasy fiction stories generally involve magic,
mystical elements, or supernatural creatures.
Harry Potter, Twilight, Lord of the Rings, Eragon
Elements of Science Fiction
All Science Fiction stories have some
elements in common:
• Time or space
• Possibility of the event happening
• Affect on humans
• Advanced technology
Advanced Technology
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Robots and Androids- “Data”, “C3PO”
Mutants and Zombies- X- Men, I am Legend
Ray Guns - Star Trek
Teleportation Devices – Star Trek, Stargate
Space Ships- Star Wars, Serenity
Setting
Another planet
 Under the oceans
 Another dimension of space
 May be in the future
 May take place in the present but in an
alternate reality
 May include time travel to the past, or
future
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Dystopian Fiction
A subgenre of Science Fiction is Dystopian
Fiction. Dystopian Fiction is set in a postapocalyptic world. Characters are
restricted in one or more ways. This could
be as literal as actual walls that restrict
movement. It could also be cultural where
characters are limited by laws or curfews.
Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched
Characters
Protagonist (Hero)
 Antagonist (Villain)
 These characters may be human, a
creature, a robot, alien, etc.
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Conflict
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Man vs. Man
Kirk vs. Spock in Star Trek 2009
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Man vs. Self
Luke Skywalker in Star Wars
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Man vs. Society
The Federation vs. the Klingons in Star Trek
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Man vs. Technology
Man vs. the Decepticons in Transformers
Themes/Ideas in Science
Fiction
 Unexplained PhenomenaStories featuring UFO’s, pyramid
power, paranormal abilities,
telekinesis, ESP, and other psychic
possibilities and how those talents
affect humans. (Super 8,
Independence Day)
Telekinesis- The ability to move an object with the
power of one's thoughts. (The Fire Starter)
Self- KnowledgeStories emphasizing the ability to know
and accept our humanity. May include
situations challenging gender identities
or other preconceived notions. (X-Men,
Speaker for the Dead.)
The Individual versus SocietyTales where the society has certain
guidelines for compatible living, but
situations occur that the rules don’t
cover. A strong individual accomplishes
daring feats and sometimes this requires
breaking rules. (Hunger Games, The Giver,
Ender’s Game, I, Robot)
People in Time or SpaceStories involving humans traveling in
time or space. Situations include
the beings humans encounter, and how
the humans react to the unfamiliar
surroundings.
(Star Trek, Timeline,
Back to the Future, Dr. Who.)
Humans and TechnologyStories describing how humans
interact with computers,
nanotechnology, bioengineering,
virtual reality, artificial
intelligences, or other parts of
technologically driven society.
These stories often question the
concept of what it means to be
human. (I, Robot, Terminator)
Often, there is a serious comment about the
world and a warning for mankind.
* the potential of technology to destroy mankind
* the dangers of genetic engineering
* the dangerous implications of space travel and alien species
Why study Science Fiction?
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Entertaining
Encourages creativity in writing and role-playing
Introduces students to a new literary genre
Teaches lessons about the value and dangers
of advanced technology
Enhances imagination
Encourages the audience to wonder “What If?”
Introduces students to the importance of
Science Fiction to the world today.