Characters & Relationships
* Everyday people: Characters facing relatable problems and challenges, often dealing with issues like family, friendship, school, or work.
* Authentic voices: Dialogue and internal monologues that sound real and true to the characters' ages, backgrounds, and personalities.
* Complex relationships: Families, friendships, romances, and other connections that are nuanced, messy, and sometimes challenging.
Plot & Setting
* Contemporary: Stories set in the present day, reflecting current social and cultural issues.
* Historical: Stories set in the past, exploring events and social conditions of a specific era.
* Social issues: Stories that explore themes like poverty, racism, discrimination, mental health, or environmental issues.
* Coming-of-age: Stories about characters growing up and navigating adolescence, facing challenges, and finding their place in the world.
* Ordinary events: Stories that focus on the details and nuances of everyday life, making the familiar feel extraordinary.
Themes & Style
* Hope: Stories that offer a message of resilience, courage, and the possibility of overcoming adversity.
* Empathy: Stories that encourage readers to connect with characters and understand different perspectives.
* Authenticity: Stories that feel real and honest, reflecting the complexities of life.
* Emotional depth: Stories that explore the full spectrum of human emotions, from joy and love to sorrow and anger.
* Realism: Stories that accurately depict the world as it is, with all its flaws and complexities.
Other Keywords
* Slice-of-life: Stories that capture a brief, often poignant, moment in a character's life.
* Literary fiction: Stories that focus on character development, complex themes, and often feature more introspective narratives.
* Young adult fiction: Stories targeted toward teenagers, exploring themes of identity, relationships, and self-discovery.
* Middle grade fiction: Stories targeted toward children ages 8-12, often focusing on friendship, family, and overcoming challenges.
This list is not exhaustive, but it should provide a good starting point for understanding the keywords associated with realistic fiction.