One key element is the role of religious dogma. It shapes the actions and decisions of the characters.
I'm not entirely sure of all the key characters specifically, but usually there would be some religious leaders and the individuals directly involved in the main events like the victims and the perpetrators.
The key elements include the religious practices which are central to the story. Also, the leadership within the religious community. Their decisions and actions shape the direction of the community. And the individual stories of the members, how they came to be part of it and what they experience.
It's a mix. The core of the story has roots in truth, but for the sake of entertainment and storytelling, certain aspects could be embellished or adapted.
Yes, it is. 'Under the Banner of Heaven' is based on real events and real people.
It's most probably not a true story. Usually, such works draw from a combination of fictional concepts and maybe some loosely inspired events or themes, but not a direct account of reality.
It depends on your perspective. While it draws inspiration from real-life incidents, it might have fictionalized certain aspects for dramatic effect.
It has elements of truth, but it also involves creative interpretations and fictional enhancements to make it more engaging for the audience.
It is indeed a true story. The book and subsequent adaptations draw from factual accounts and real-life circumstances to present a compelling narrative.
Yes, it was based on real events and real people to some extent.
Yes, 'Under the Banner of Heaven' is fiction. It's a story created by the author's imagination.