Types of Poetry

Basically, there are three major types of poetry: dramatic poetry, lyric poetry, and narrative poetry. Within these three categories, however, there are many different poetic forms.

Dramatic poetry uses the elements of drama. One or more characters speak to other characters, to themselves, or directly address the reader. This type of poetry often includes emotional conflict.

Lyric poetry expresses the thoughts and emotions of a single speaker. Usually short, a lyric poem creates a single, unified impression.

Narrative poetry tells a story in verse form. A narrative poem has a beginning, a middle, and an ending, just like a prose story. Unlike prose, however, a narrative poem is much more concentrated.