Which of these are most characteristic of literary nonfiction?
A.
Unrealistic circumstances
B.
Made-up characters and situations
C.
True events and dialogue
D.
Dry, straightforward writing
C. True events and dialogue
The answer is C. True events and dialogue.
To determine which option is most characteristic of literary nonfiction, let's analyze each option and break it down:
A. Unrealistic circumstances: Literary nonfiction aims to present real events and factual information, so it typically avoids fictional or fantastical elements. Unrealistic circumstances would be more common in fiction rather than in literary nonfiction.
B. Made-up characters and situations: Similar to the previous point, literary nonfiction focuses on real people and events. Invented characters and situations are more often found in works of fiction rather than in literary nonfiction.
C. True events and dialogue: This option aligns closely with the nature of literary nonfiction. It emphasizes real events, facts, and the use of actual dialogue to recount or explore true stories. This is a key characteristic of the genre.
D. Dry, straightforward writing: While literary nonfiction can vary in style and tone, it typically aims to engage readers through thoughtful and vivid storytelling. Dry, straightforward writing may be more representative of technical or academic writing, rather than the more narrative-driven approach of literary nonfiction.
Based on the above analysis, option C - true events and dialogue - is the most characteristic of literary nonfiction.