What Makes Fiction Seem Real? Realistic fiction is about people, relationships, and problems like those in real life. The elements that make realistic fiction true to life are the characters, setting, dialogue, and plot. Realistic fiction has a conflict, or problem, that might be found in real life. The characters may deal with issues or feelings that readers can relate to.

Practice Together

Analyze Elements Look at the passage above to identify the realistic story elements. With the class, review a different passage from “Indian Summer Sun.” Identify the elements that seem realistic in that passage.

Try It!

Select another passage from “Indian Summer Sun” to review. Analyze the passage, and identify the elements that make it seem realistic. How do you know? Discuss your ideas with a partner.

The characters in realistic fiction are like those in real life.