in the most common form of historical fiction

Typically, it has a setting in a past era. The characters are often involved in events that could have plausibly happened during that time. For example, in a historical fiction set in the Victorian era, the characters might deal with class differences and social norms of that period.

Often, it follows a linear structure that moves through time in a chronological order. This helps the reader to easily follow the historical events as they unfold.

War is another prevalent theme. Many historical fictions focus on wars such as World War II. They might explore the experiences of soldiers, the impact on civilians, and how the war changes society. For example, 'The Book Thief' which shows the life in Nazi Germany during the war from a unique perspective.

The setting. 'Biblical Ruth' is set in a real historical place, Bethlehem. This gives it a sense of historical authenticity. Also, the cultural practices described, like the law of the kinsman - redeemer, were part of the historical social structure. These elements place the story within a historical framework, which is a key aspect of historical fiction.

It's hard to pinpoint one specific form as the most popular, as it can vary by region and audience. But space opera and dystopian fiction seem to have a wide fan base.

One common theme is power struggles. In historical fiction, we often see stories about kings, queens, and nobles vying for power. Take 'Game of Thrones' (although it's a fictionalized version of history), it shows the complex power plays among different houses.

The royal traditions. In the Princess Diaries books, there are a lot of royal traditions that are part of history. For example, the formal ceremonies, the way the princess is supposed to behave in public and in private, all these things have historical roots.

One of the most iconic historical characters in fiction is Sherlock Holmes. He was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is known for his brilliant deductive reasoning skills and his unique personality. His stories have been adapted countless times in various forms of media.

Joan of Arc is also iconic in fiction. Her story of leading the French army in battle as a young woman, inspired by religious visions, has been told and retold. In fiction, she is often portrayed as a fearless and pious figure, a symbol of female courage and determination in a male - dominated world.

Well, 'The Thirteenth Tale' had a lot of fans too. It's a gothic - style historical fiction that weaves a complex web of mystery and family secrets. The atmospheric writing and the way it unfolds the story over different time periods really attracted readers.