Fiction is a type of creative writing that portrays imaginary events and characters. It is used in many different forms, including novels, short stories, plays, poems, and films. Fiction covers a range of genres including romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy, mystery and more. This form of literature often has elements of truth taken from real life; however it also has fantastic or exaggerated components which make it unique. The primary purpose of fiction is to entertain the reader by providing them with an exciting story to enjoy (Moss 2016).

At its core fiction creates an alternate reality for its readers—a world they can escape into while being transported to another place and time entirely different from their own lives (Bryan 2020). It usually features characters placed in circumstances beyond their control who must find ways to navigate these unknown situations as well as interact with other people in interesting ways (Chandler 2019). These characters often have goals they want to achieve or need guidance on navigating difficult moral decisions that could lead them down dangerous paths. In this way “fiction offers readers the opportunity not only to be entertained but also to explore complex ethical questions” (Bryan 2020).