This document discusses the key elements of historical fiction. Historical fiction tells stories set in the past that aim to accurately portray a historical time period or event through fictionalized characters, plots, and settings. To be considered historical fiction, a story generally needs to take place at least 30 years in the past. While the events and characters are fictional, historical fiction strives for authenticity in its depictions of settings, cultural details, and realistic characterization based on the era. Thorough research is important for authors to accurately represent the time period. A story can include both fictional and actual historical figures and can blend fictional plot events with documented history. The goal is an engaging fictional narrative that feels truthful to the time.

1. HISTORICAL
FICTION

2. What is historical
fiction?
• The genre of historical fiction includes
stories that are written to portray a time
period or convey information about a
specific time period or an historical event.
• Usually, the event or time period is at
least 30 years in the past.

3. Elements of Historical
Fiction
• Historical fiction is a form of fiction (not
true).
• Based on historical events
• Authentic settings
• Characters portrayed in realistic manner
• Some characters may be actual people from
history, but the story is fictional
• Artistic mix of fiction and historical fact

4. The Time Period
• In historical fiction, setting is the most important literary
element.
• Because the author is writing about a particular time in
history, the information about the time period must be
accurate, authentic, or both.
• To create accurate and authentic settings in their books,
authors must research the time period thoroughly.
• They must know how people lived, what they ate, what kinds
of homes they had, and what artifacts were a common part
of their lives.

5. The Characters
• Historical fiction books—whether
they are picture books, transitional
books, or novels—may have
characters who are either imaginary
or who actually lived during the time
period.

6. The Setting
• Settings also may be real or
imaginary.

7. The Plot
• The plot events may be documented
historical events or they may be
fictional. If they are fictional, it
means that the author created the
events for the telling of the story.

8. Summary of Elements of
Historical Fiction
• The fictional characters, settings,
and plot events must be portrayed
authentically as if they actually could
have happened.

9. Imagine you’re an girl working
at a factory in the 1930s. It’s
your first day on the job.
Without having the proper
training, you accidentally set
fire to the plant. Write a mock
report of how the fire started
and how your character
escaped fault.
See what’s cooking in this 1940s UAE’s
kitchen. Imagine you are a food columnist for
the local newspaper. Write a short story
describing the food being prepared
Write a story about a female archaeologist from 19th
century who met a gentleman on an expedition who
claimed that he was once an Egyptian pharaoh.