Realistic Fiction includes imagined stories that reflect real life as it is lived today.
Fiction is the lie that tells the truth, after all.
Neil Gaiman, author
Setting: Realistic Fiction is set in the present or recent past. Stories are set in places that are real or could be real.
Plot: Problems or events of the story could really happen.
Characters: Characters behave like real people and deal with realistic problems or real issues.
Themes: Themes could relate to a variety of problems or issues that readers may face in everyday life.
Adventure and Survival: These stories usually involve danger and the characters must survive in the wilderness or under other extraordinary circumstances.
Coming of Age: Stories about a protagonist's growth from youth to adulthood. These stories usually emphasize dialogue or internal monologue over action.
Family and Friendships: Stories that focus on the challenges and joys of the relationships of characters among family and friends.
Humor: Usually light-hearted, comical stories intended to make the reader laugh.
"Issue" Books: Fictionalized stories about challenging or controversial subjects such as violence or substance abuse.
Romance*: Romance stories center around relationships or romantic love. (*Romance is often considered its own genre.)
School Life: A common subgenre of young adult fiction, these stories focus on the everyday trials and tribulations of life for young people at school.
Adventure and Survival
Coming of Age
Family and Friendships
Humor
"Issue" Books
Romance
School Life
Is there a cut-off date for when a book should be considered Realistic (contemporary) Fiction or Historical Fiction?
If a book is set in the recent past, but focuses on a specific historical event, should it be considered Historical Fiction?
What if a book is set several decades ago, but the story could take place today, should the book be considered Realistic Fiction?