The genre definition in literature refers to a category of artistic work that has a specific form or characteristics. The word ''genre'' comes from the French word for ''kind'' or ''type.'' Most people are familiar with the different kinds of movie genres (such as comedy, horror, romance, and action) and the characteristics shared by the movies within each genre. Literature also has various types of genres, though they differ from those associated with film. Knowing the genres or types of literature is beneficial because a reader will know what to expect from a piece before beginning to read.