Look at the plot. If there are elements like magic, talking animals, or gods intervening, it's likely a folktale. If the plot revolves around everyday life situations like going to work, having family arguments, or dealing with school, it's probably realistic fiction.
Examine the characters. In folktales, characters are often one - dimensional and represent certain qualities like good or evil. In realistic fiction, characters are more nuanced. They have a mix of good and bad traits, just like real people. Also, the language used in folktales can be more archaic or have a certain rhythmic quality, while realistic fiction uses modern, everyday language.
Another way is to consider the origin and intention. Folktales have been passed down for a long time, often within a particular culture, to convey cultural values and beliefs. Realistic fiction is a more modern form of literature written by individual authors mainly to tell a story about real - life experiences or to make a statement about society. So, if a story seems to have a strong cultural root and a moral lesson, it may be a folktale, and if it feels like a contemporary exploration of human experience, it's likely realistic fiction.
One way is to look for elements that are not possible in real life. If there are magic spells or talking animals, it's likely fiction. Nonfiction would be based on real events.
One way is to check for footnotes or references. Nonfiction usually has these to support the facts. Realistic fiction doesn't need to do that as it's not presenting facts in the same way. Also, nonfiction often has a more didactic or informative tone, while realistic fiction focuses on the story and the characters' experiences. For example, a nonfiction book about World War II will have a lot of historical details and might be written in a more straightforward way to convey information. A realistic fiction novel about the war might focus on a fictional character's journey through the war and how it affected them personally.
Look at the content. If it has made - up characters and events that couldn't happen in real life, it's probably fiction. If it's about real people, places, or events, it's nonfiction.
Look for evidence. Facts usually have some sort of proof behind them, like statistics or eyewitness accounts. Fiction doesn't have this kind of real - world evidence. Also, facts are often presented in a more straightforward, non - imaginative way compared to the creative and often far - fetched nature of fiction.
Pay attention to the consistency. Reality generally follows certain rules and laws. In fiction, the author can break these rules. For instance, in a fantasy novel, magic might be used to defy the laws of physics. But in the real world, we know that such things don't happen without scientific explanation. Also, the language used in non - fictional works is often more matter - of - fact, while in fiction, the language can be more creative and flowery.
You can tell the difference by considering the plausibility of the events. In fiction, the sky's the limit for the plot. But in realistic fiction, the events should be something that could potentially occur in real life. For example, a story about a detective solving a crime using only his wits and normal investigation methods is more likely to be realistic fiction, while a detective solving a crime with the help of a mind - reading crystal would be fiction.
Examine the characters. In traditional fiction, characters might have superhuman powers or be from different mythical races. In realistic fiction, they are normal humans with normal human problems. Also, the plot in traditional fiction may have a more predictable pattern based on common archetypes like the hero's journey. Realistic fiction's plot is more about the randomness and complexity of real life. The themes in traditional fiction are often timeless, like good vs evil. Realistic fiction themes are more related to current social and cultural issues.
Look at the cover or the blurb. If it mentions something like 'based on a true story', it's likely nonfiction. If it has elements like 'a world of magic' or 'fictional characters', it's probably fiction.
One easy way is to look at the sources. If a novel cites a lot of real - world references, research, and historical data, it's likely nonfiction. For example, if it mentions specific historical documents or interviews with real people. Fiction usually doesn't have such real - world sourcing. Another way is to check if the characters are real - life figures. If they are, it could be nonfiction, but if they are made - up names, it's probably fiction.
Check for elements like real - world references. Nonfiction will often mention real places, people, and events that can be verified. Fiction might create fictional locations or use real - world names in a made - up context. For example, a nonfiction book about a city will give accurate details about its geography and history, while a fictional story set in that city might add magical elements that don't exist in reality.