What is Prose — Definition and Examples in Literature

What is Prose in Literature?

Prose definition in literature

Prose serves multiple purposes and is essential to mastering the literary form. A clear literary prose definition helps distinguish it from other forms of writing and highlights its role in storytelling and communication. Before we dive in, it’s important to understand the prose definition and how it is distinguished from other styles of writing, especially literary prose, which emphasizes depth, structure, and voice in storytelling. 

Expanding on Different Prose Styles

Understanding different prose styles

While prose is often divided into four main types, it is also categorized based on its function and purpose. Understanding the prose definition—and learning how to define prose in its various styles—allows writers to craft their work effectively and shape different types of writing.

Here are four major prose styles that shape different types of writing:

• Narrative Prose: Tells a story with characters, plot, and dialogue (e.g., novels, short stories).
• Expository Prose: Presents factual information in a clear and structured way (e.g., textbooks, news articles).
• Descriptive Prose: Uses vivid imagery to paint a picture (e.g., travel writing, scene descriptions in literature).
• Persuasive Prose: Aims to convince the reader of a particular point of view (e.g., opinion pieces, essays, speeches).
  
  

Each of these styles influences how a writer conveys their message and connects with their audience. Understanding how each prose literary term functions allows for more deliberate stylistic choices. Examining different styles can deepen our understanding of prose across various literary works.

Understanding prose styles helps writers shape their work. To grasp its uniqueness, we must compare it to poetry, which follows distinct conventions.

What is Prose Writing and How is it Used?

Prose writing vs poetry

While prose is structured with sentences and paragraphs, poetry relies on rhyme, meter, and intentional spacing to create meaning. These contrasting forms define the core of prose vs poetry, which we’ll explore in more detail.

Poetry

Poetry follows a specific rhyme and metric structure. These are often lines and stanzas within a poem. Poetry also utilizes more figurative language and often ambiguous phrasing that purposefully leaves room for the readers’ analysis and interpretation.

Finally, poetry plays with space on a page. Intentional line breaks, negative space, and varying line lengths make poetry a more aesthetic form of writing than prose. 

Take, for example, the structure of this [Why] by E.E. Cummings. Observe his use of space and aesthetics as well as metric structure in the poem. 

E.E. Cummings may be one of the more stylish poets when it comes to the use of page space. But poetry is different in structure and practice than prose. The classic poetry vs prose debate centers on how each form shapes the reader's experience—poetry through abstraction and rhythm, prose through clarity and structure. The differences between prose vs poetry often come down to formality, rhythm, and intent. 

Define: Prose

Prose follows a structure that makes use of sentences, phrases, and paragraphs. Unlike poetry, which often relies on meter and rhyme, prose maintains a natural flow that mirrors everyday speech, making it the most common form of written communication.

This type of writing follows a flow more similar to verbal speech and communication. This makes it the best style of writing to clearly articulate and communicate concepts, events, stories, and ideas as opposed to the figurative style of poetry.

Take, for example, the opening paragraph of JD Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. We can tell immediately that the prose is written in a direct, literal way that also gives voice to our protagonist. 

From this example, you can see how the words flow more conversationally than poetry and are more direct with what information or meaning is being communicated.

While prose stands apart from poetry in its structure and purpose, its evolution over time has played a crucial role in shaping the way we communicate ideas, stories, and information.

Prose Literary Definition

From oral tradition to literary mastery

The development of prose can be traced back to ancient civilizations where storytelling was primarily oral. To better define: Prose, we must understand how it evolved into the dominant form of written language due to its clarity and accessibility.

Key historical moments in prose evolution include:

• Ancient Times: Early prose manifested as epic poems like The Epic of Gilgamesh and historical accounts from Herodotus.
• Medieval Period: Religious texts and heroic prose, such as Beowulf.
• Renaissance: The rise of literary prose in works like Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes.
• Modern Era: The emergence of experimental prose styles in stream-of-consciousness writing (e.g., James Joyce's Ulysses).

Each era introduced new stylistic elements that shaped prose into the diverse form it is today.

As prose evolved, writers explored new ways to structure and use it. A historical literary prose definition must account for the evolution of voice, syntax, and narrative purpose across time. This has led to distinct types of prose, each serving a unique role in storytelling, communication, and artistic expression.

What is Prose?

Exploring prose in literature

While all four types of prose adhere to the definition we established, writers use the writing style for different purposes. These varying purposes can be categorized into four different types.

Nonfictional prose

Nonfiction prose is a body of writing that is based on factual events. The information is not created from a writer’s imagination but rather from true accounts of real events. 

This type can be found in newspapers, magazines, journals, biographies, and textbooks. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, for example, is a work written in a nonfiction style.

Fictional prose

Unlike nonfictional writing, fictional prose is partly or wholly created from a writer’s imagination. The events, characters, and story are imagined, such as Romeo and Juliet, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, or Brave New World. This type is found in novels, short stories, and novellas.

Heroic prose

Heroic prose is a work of writing that is meant to be recited and passed on through oral or written tradition. Legends, mythology, fables, and parables are examples of heroic prose that have been passed on over time in preservation. 

Prose poetry

Finally, prose poetry is poetry that is expressed and written in prose form. This can be thought of almost as a hybrid of the two that can sometimes utilize rhythmic measures. This type of poetry often utilizes more figurative language but is usually written in paragraph form. 

An example of prose poetry is Spring Day published in 1916 by American poet Amy Lowell. It can be read almost as hyper-short stories written in a prose poetry style. 

The first section can be read below: 

While these four types of prose highlight the diverse ways writers use this form of expression, prose does not exist in isolation. It is often compared to poetry and drama, each of which follows distinct structural and stylistic conventions.

Understanding these differences can provide deeper insight into how prose functions within the broader landscape of written expression.

Prose Literary Definition

When to use prose

What is prose used for and when? Let’s say you want to tell a story, but you’re unsure if using prose or poetry would best tell your story.

To determine if the correct choice is prose, it’s important to understand the strengths of the writing style. Clarifying what does prose mean in contrast to poetic forms can help writers make better stylistic choices. One way to do this is to clearly define prose in contrast with other literary forms. Clarifying the prose meaning allows writers to leverage its advantages for storytelling and communication.

Direct communication

Prose, unlike poetry, is often less figurative and ambiguous. This means that a writer can be more direct with the information they are trying to communicate. This can be especially useful in storytelling, both fiction and nonfiction, to efficiently fulfill the points of a plot.

Curate a voice

Because prose is written in the flow of verbal conversation, it’s incredibly effective at curating a specific voice for a character. Dialogue within novels and short stories benefits from this style.

Think about someone you know and how they talk. Odds are, much of their character and personality can be found in their voice.

When creating characters, prose enables a writer to curate the voice of that character. For example, one of the most iconic opening lines in literature informs us of what type of character we will be following.

Albert Camus’ The Stranger utilizes the first person to establish the voice of the story’s protagonist. 

“Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure. The telegram from the Home says: YOUR MOTHER PASSED AWAY. FUNERAL TOMORROW. DEEP SYMPATHY. Which leaves the matter doubtful; it could have been yesterday.”

Build rapport with the reader

Lastly, in addition to giving characters a curated voice, prose builds rapport with the reader. The conversational tone allows readers to become familiar with a type of writing that connects them with the writer. 

A great example of this is Hunter S. Thompson’s Hell’s Angels. As a nonfiction work written in prose, Thompson’s voice and style in the writing are distinct and demand a relationship with the reader.

Whether it is one of contradiction or agreement, the connection exists through the prose. It is a connection that makes a reader want to meet or talk with the writer once they finish their work. 

Prose is one of the most common writing styles for modern writers. But truly mastering it means understanding both its strengths and its shortcomings. 

Writing Tips to Improve Prose Style

Essential tips for stronger writing

Strong prose is clear, engaging, and well-structured. When writing prose, refining sentence structure, word choice, and flow enhances readability. Whether writing fiction, nonfiction, or academic work, these strategies can help elevate your prose. But before you revise, it helps to clearly define prose and understand the structural principles behind strong writing:

1. Vary sentence length

Mixing short and long sentences creates a natural rhythm and enhances readability. Short sentences add impact and urgency, while longer sentences allow for more detail and complexity. Striking a balance prevents monotony and keeps the reader engaged.

2. Use active voice

Writing in active voice makes sentences more direct and dynamic. Instead of saying, “The book was read by the student,” opt for “The student read the book.” Active voice improves clarity, reduces wordiness, and makes prose feel more immediate.

3. Avoid redundancy and filler words

Every word should serve a purpose. Phrases like “in order to,” “completely finished,” or “unexpected surprise” add unnecessary bulk. Concise writing strengthens impact and keeps readers focused on the core message.

4. Read aloud to check flow

Reading your work aloud helps identify awkward phrasing, repetitive structures, and unnatural rhythms. This is especially useful when writing prose intended for dialogue-heavy scenes or personal voice. If a sentence feels clunky or difficult to say, it may need reworking. This technique is especially useful for dialogue and first-person narratives.

5. Study great writers

Analyzing the prose of accomplished authors can provide valuable insights into style and technique. Writers like Ernest Hemingway (known for brevity and precision), Virginia Woolf (renowned for lyrical and stream-of-consciousness prose), and Gabriel García Márquez (master of vivid, immersive storytelling) offer different approaches to crafting compelling prose.

By incorporating these techniques, writers can refine their prose style, enhance readability, and create writing that resonates with their audience.

Prose in Different Contexts

Adapting style for various purposes

Prose is not confined to literature—it is the foundation of written communication in a wide range of fields. As a prose literary term, it extends beyond fiction into journalism, academia, and business. A strong prose literary definition helps explain how this flexible form of writing can adapt to inform, persuade, or narrate across different disciplines. Understanding how prose functions in various contexts helps writers tailor their style to suit different audiences and objectives.

1. Journalism: clarity and objectivity

In journalism, prose must be clear, concise, and fact-based. News articles, investigative reports, and opinion pieces rely on well-structured prose to inform the public efficiently. Journalistic writing often follows the inverted pyramid style, presenting the most critical information first before diving into details.

2. Business writing: precision and professionalism

Business communication depends on polished and direct prose. Emails, reports, proposals, and executive summaries must be clear, concise, and professional. The goal is to convey information efficiently while maintaining a formal tone that suits workplace interactions.

3. Academic writing: structure and argumentation

In academic settings, prose is used to construct arguments, analyze ideas, and present research findings. Essays, dissertations, and scholarly articles require structured writing with a logical flow, supporting evidence, and a formal tone. When writing prose in academic contexts, clarity and precision are essential to communicate complex ideas effectively. Clarity and precision are essential to ensure complex ideas are effectively communicated.

4. Creative nonfiction: storytelling with real events

Memoirs, personal essays, travel writing, and literary journalism fall under creative nonfiction, a form of prose that blends factual accuracy with storytelling techniques. Writers in this genre often use narrative elements, vivid descriptions, and a strong voice to engage readers while remaining truthful to real-life events. Writing prose in creative nonfiction allows for a blend of factual accuracy with emotional depth.

By recognizing how prose adapts to different fields, writers can refine their approach and effectively communicate across various platforms. Renowned authors like Charles Dickens mastered the use of prose to craft vivid characters and compelling social commentary, demonstrating its power in literature. His work helped define how the prose literary term evolved across both artistic and commercial writing traditions.

Whether crafting an engaging news article, drafting a persuasive business proposal, or writing a compelling memoir, understanding the nuances of prose in different contexts ensures that the message resonates with its intended audience.

The Power and Versatility of Prose

Conclusion

Prose is the most widely used form of writing, providing clarity, structure, and direct communication across countless fields. From the oral traditions of ancient civilizations to the richly diverse literary prose of today, prose has evolved to shape how we understand, record, and engage with the world around us. Whether in literature, journalism, business, or academic writing, its adaptability makes it a fundamental tool for expression and storytelling. When comparing prose vs poetry, prose stands out as the more direct and utilitarian form.

By mastering different prose styles, understanding their historical development, and applying effective writing techniques, writers can refine their craft and create compelling, impactful narratives. Whether crafting a novel, composing an essay, or writing a business report, strong prose enhances the ability to communicate ideas effectively. Choosing between prose or poetry depends on the message, the audience, and the desired emotional tone. A strong literary prose definition equips writers to tailor their voice and structure for maximum impact.

Ultimately, the power of prose lies in its ability to inform, persuade, and inspire. Whether you’re writing prose for fiction or nonfiction, the goal is to engage your audience through clarity and control. By continually developing your prose style, experimenting with different approaches, and studying great writers, you can elevate your writing and connect with your audience in meaningful ways.

Up Next

Different Types of Poems

Curious about learning about the counterpart to prose? In our next article, we dive into different types of poems as well as different types of poem structures. Check out the complete writer’s guide to poetry types up next. 

Up Next: Types of Poems →