You can also consider the ratio of fact to fiction. In fictionalized history, the facts usually dominate and the fictional parts are added sparingly to make the history more accessible or interesting. For example, in a fictionalized account of a historical revolution, most of the events leading to the revolution are real and only a few side stories are fictional. In historical fiction, the fiction often takes center stage. The historical setting and events are there to support the fictional plot. For instance, in a historical fiction about a medieval castle, the love story between the fictional characters is the main thing and the castle's historical details are secondary.
The presence of fictional elements is a big giveaway. In history, everything should be based on facts and evidence. If there are elements like magic or super - natural events in a story set in a historical period, it's clearly historical fiction. Also, look at the level of detail about real historical events. In history, these will be thoroughly explored and explained. In historical fiction, they may be just a backdrop for the fictional story. For example, a history of the Renaissance will go into great detail about the art, the artists, and the social changes. A historical fiction set during the Renaissance might just mention the great artworks in passing while focusing on a fictional love story between two characters.
One way is to look at the sources. If it cites historical documents, research papers, and eyewitness accounts, it's likely history. If it has a disclaimer about fictional characters or events, it's probably historical fiction.
In literature, if it has elements that clearly violate the laws of nature or are completely made up, like dragons or wizards, it's likely fiction. A story can be more ambiguous. If it's told in a narrative form but not clearly labeled as real or fictional, it could be either. History, though, will be based on research and evidence. For example, a history book will have references and sources. Fiction usually doesn't need such real - world references. A story might just be for entertainment, but history aims to inform about the past.
Another way is to check the characters. In nonfiction, the characters are real people. In historical fiction, while there may be real historical figures, there are also often fictional characters created by the author. Consider a book about the American Revolution. Nonfiction would focus on real leaders like George Washington. Historical fiction might include a fictional young soldier's perspective.
One way is by looking at the focus. If the story is centered around the general lifestyle, culture, and social aspects of a particular time, it's likely period fiction. For example, if a book is all about the fashion trends in the 1920s, it's period fiction. But if it's about the Great Depression as an event and how it affected people's lives with real historical data and events incorporated, it's historical fiction.
One way is by looking at the setting. If it's a made - up world with magic and non - existent creatures, it's likely genere fanstay. But if it's a real - world place during a known historical period, it's probably historical fiction. For example, Middle - earth in 'The Lord of the Rings' is clearly a fantasy world, while London during the Victorian era in a Dickens novel is historical fiction.
Fictionalized history often takes real historical events and makes some elements fictional, like adding fictional characters or conversations. Historical fiction, on the other hand, is a genre where the story is set in a historical period and uses historical settings and events as a backdrop for a largely fictional story. For example, a fictionalized history of a war might change the perspective by creating a fictional soldier's diary. While historical fiction like 'The Pillars of the Earth' is set in the Middle Ages but the main plot and characters are mostly made up, but still gives a sense of the time period.
One way is to look at the source. If it's based on real - life events, it's more likely a story. Fiction often comes from the author's creative mind with no real - world basis. For example, a war story might be based on historical battles, while a science - fiction story about alien invasions is clearly fiction.
The role of the supernatural also differs. In myths, the supernatural is often used to explain the fundamental aspects of life and the universe. In fiction, the supernatural can be just for creating an interesting plot. In the myth of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods, it's about the origin of fire for humanity. In a fictional horror story with a ghost, it's mainly for scaring the readers. Fiction is more flexible in terms of genre and style compared to the more traditional forms of myth.
Look at the language. Literature usually has a more refined and elaborate language, while popular fiction uses more common and easy - to - understand language. For instance, in literature, you might find long, descriptive passages and complex sentence structures. In popular fiction, sentences are often shorter and more to the point.