Characteristics of Good Historic Fiction
Characters
Protagonist
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often a real individual in history
if not real, based on a real individual (e.g.: papers from government agencies or reports,
diaries, public documents, papers from historical archives or museums)
heroic
reveals the plot
Other Characters
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real individuals in history
based on real individuals
Plot
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revolves around history
accurate to the last detail
allows the protagonist to develop
reveals the history and personalities of the period
Point of View
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protagonist's
third person
Voice
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usually the author's
sometimes the protagonist's
Theme
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revealing the history
revealing the "true" character of historic figures
isms (e.g.: patriotism, nationalism, heroism, regionalism, etc.)
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Human cruelty in the name of righteousness
The Individual and the Community
Justice vs. Retribution and revenge
Godliness vs. Worldliness
Ignorance vs. Wisdom
The Puritan Myth
Order vs. Individual Freedom
Characteristics of Good Historic Fiction
Characters
Protagonist




if not real, based on a real individual (e.g.: papers from government agencies or reports,
diaries, public documents, papers from historical archives or museums)
reveals the plot
Other Characters


real individuals in history
Plot




accurate to the last detail
allows the protagonist to develop
Point of View


protagonist's
Voice


sometimes the protagonist's
Theme



revealing the history
isms (e.g.: patriotism, nationalism, heroism, regionalism, etc.)






