Elements of Historical Fiction

Characterization

Characters are ordinary real people who could have lived in the historical setting
Characters are usually shaped by the setting
Characters usually change as a result of the problem and must to be able to resolve it

Setting

Place is a particular historical geographical location
T ime is a particular historical period

Plot

Must be plausable and believable
Usually problem or puzzling event as a result of the time or place in history for characters to resolve
Reader/listener usually feel that the story really happened or could have happened

Theme

Life themes as well as good versus bad/evil

Style and Tone

The story must be told with significant detail to place the reader/listener in the historical setting and situation
Characters, plot, setting, theme, events, problems, mirror historical life
Most events are historically accurate, but minor events and/or charaters are added or modified

Robert Sweetland's Notes ©