A British hot air balloon story in the context of literary realism could also explore the relationships between the characters. Maybe there's a love story that develops during the balloon ride. The realism would come in how the relationship is depicted - not as some idealized fairytale love, but with all the insecurities, misunderstandings, and gradual growth. The journey in the hot air balloon serves as a backdrop against which these relationships are tested and transformed. The story might also touch on the historical context of hot air ballooning in Britain, such as its early use in military reconnaissance or as a form of entertainment for the upper classes.
Literary realism in a British hot air balloon story would likely focus on the social and economic aspects of the characters involved. If it's a story about a group of people taking a balloon ride, their class differences might be evident. For instance, the wealthy might be more concerned with the luxury of the experience, while the poorer characters could be there for work - related reasons, like maintaining the balloon. The dialogue would be natural and reflect the British dialects and idioms of the time, adding authenticity to the story.