Elements of Fiction When you read a story, you are reading a work of fiction. FICTION is writing that comes from an author’s imagination. Although the author makes the story up, he or she might base it on real events. Fiction writers write either short stories or novels. A SHORT STORY usually revolves around a single idea and is short enough to be read in one sitting. A NOVEL is much longer and more complex. CHARACTERS are the people, animals, or imaginary creatures that take part in the actions of the story. Usually, a short story centers on events in the life of one person or animal. He or