historical fiction

Meaning

Historical fiction is a genre of literature, film, or television where the story takes place in the past. It captures the details of the time period accurately (such as clothing, social customs, and events) while featuring fictional characters or invented plotlines. The tone can vary from educational and serious to romantic and adventurous.

Examples

• I love reading historical fiction because it makes history feel alive.

  I love reading historical fiction because it makes history feel alive.

• The movie is a work of historical fiction set during the French Revolution.

  The movie is a work of historical fiction set during the French Revolution.

• While the main characters are made up, this historical fiction novel is based on real events.

  While the main characters are made up, this historical fiction novel is based on real events.

• He writes historical fiction focusing on ancient Rome.

  He writes historical fiction focusing on ancient Rome.

• Many popular TV dramas are actually works of historical fiction.

  Many popular TV dramas are actually works of historical fiction.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I really enjoy reading history fiction books.

  ✓ I really enjoy reading historical fiction books.

  Use the adjective 'historical' instead of the noun 'history' to describe the genre of fiction.

• ✗ This book is a historical truth.

  ✓ This book is historical fiction.

  'Historical fiction' means the story is invented (fiction), even if it is set in a real past era. Do not confuse it with non-fiction history or a biography.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you like stories set in Victorian London, you should read some ___.

  💡 This genre features invented stories set in a real past time period.

  Show answer

  historical fiction

• The movie is classified as ___ because it invents characters during the American Civil War.

  💡 A genre combining past events with creative storytelling.

  Show answer

  historical fiction