Fiction vs Non fiction
Fiction is not true and non-fiction is true. This is the simplest way of defining fiction and non-fiction. Non-fiction involves real things, real people, real events, real places and real writing. However, fiction is just imaginary things, imaginary people, imaginary events, imaginary places and imaginary writing. While a writer based on his imagination creates Fiction, non- fiction is not created but only written based on facts.
While Non-fiction focuses on ideas or events that actually took place, fiction tends to be focusing on imaginary ideas and events. Coming to the characters, non-fiction deals with real people and fiction only creates characters.
If something is said to have happened in real places, whether in the past or present, then it is non-fiction. But if something is said to have taken place in a fake place, then it is fiction. A big difference is that fictions are made up stories and Non- fictions are entirely fact-based writings. Fictions are just entertainers and on the other hand non-fictions are informative. Autobiography, history books and journals are examples of non-fictions. Novels, short stories, films are all fictions. Fiction is made out of nothing and on the other hand non-fiction comes out of something.
A fiction writer intends to make the audience believe that the whole things, which they read, or view, are occurring. But a non-fiction writer cannot indulge in such a thing. Fiction writers create stories without any commitment to their readers. They only elaborate on their ideas and views. A non-fiction writer cannot pour out his own imaginations. Non-fiction can be called as a prosaic piece of literature, which talks about various topics, which are relevant for everyone.
Fiction on the other hand elucidates on our imagination. When Fiction is more symbolic, non-fiction is straightforward, fiction is artificial as it is created from one’s own imagination. Non-fiction is natural as it deals with events that had actually taken place. Fiction is an invented story whereas non-fiction deals with existing facts. Fiction is a reflection of the writer’s imagination.
Meanwhile, non-fiction is a recollection of facts. Fiction tends to be more elaborate and descriptive; non-fiction tends to say only that is necessary to establish a fact or idea. A fiction writer can run his imagination free whereas non-fiction writer cannot. Simplicity, directness and clarity are most important in non- fiction works. While a fiction leaves the imagination to audience or readers and they can have their own interpretations.
Summary
- Fiction is not true and non-fiction is true
- While Non-fiction focuses on ideas or events that actually took place, fiction tends to be focusing on imaginary ideas and events.
- Fictions are made up stories and Non-fictions are entirely fact-based writings.
4. Fictions are just entertainers and on the other hand non- fictions are informative
See also