One way is to look at the sources. If it's based on primary sources like official records, it's more likely to be fact. For historical fiction, there will often be an author's note stating that it's a fictionalized account. Another way is to check for consistency. Facts should be consistent across reliable historical accounts, while historical fiction may deviate for the sake of the story. For example, a history book about the Renaissance will have consistent facts about the art, politics, and society, but a historical fiction novel might have a fictional love story that doesn't match up exactly with known facts.
To distinguish between them easily, first consider the purpose. Fact is meant to inform about what really occurred. It's dry and objective. Historical fiction aims to entertain while also giving a sense of the historical period. Check for details like dates, names, and events. In a factual account, these are accurate and based on research. In historical fiction, while some of these may be accurate, the overall plot and many characters could be fictional. For instance, a factual account of the Industrial Revolution will list real factories, inventors, and economic changes. A historical fiction set during that time might have a made - up family struggling through those changes.
You can easily tell the difference by examining the narrative style. Facts are presented in a straightforward, matter - of - fact way, usually with citations and references. Historical fiction, on the other hand, has a more creative and engaging narrative. It might use vivid language to describe settings and characters. Also, look at the overall structure. A factual work will be organized around historical events and developments. In historical fiction, the story might be centered around a fictional character's journey through historical times. For example, a history of the ancient Maya civilization will be full of facts about their architecture, religion, and society. A historical fiction about the Mayans could focus on a fictional priest's adventure and include some fictional elements within the real historical context.
Look for evidence. Facts usually have some sort of proof behind them, like statistics or eyewitness accounts. Fiction doesn't have this kind of real - world evidence. Also, facts are often presented in a more straightforward, non - imaginative way compared to the creative and often far - fetched nature of fiction.
Check the sources. Fact books usually cite their sources at the end or throughout the text. Fiction books don't need to do this as they are creating their own stories. Also, the language can be a clue. Fact books use more objective language, while fiction books may have more flowery and emotional language to draw you into the story.
Look at the details of the events during the reign. In real history, events are often the result of a long - term build - up of various factors. For example, a war during a reign might be due to territorial disputes, economic rivalries, and diplomatic failures. In a fictional drama, a war might start just because the bad guy wants to conquer the world for no good reason. Also, the use of anachronisms is a big sign. If a drama shows a ruler during the reign using modern technology or having modern - day values, it's a sign that it's more fiction than fact. Real reigns are firmly rooted in the historical context of their time, while fictional ones may take liberties for the sake of entertainment.
Historical facts are verifiable. For example, we can research historical events through archaeological findings. If an event is described in a way that doesn't match the evidence from these reliable research methods, it might be closer to fiction. Also, historical facts tend to be consistent across multiple reliable sources, while fiction can vary widely in different fictional works.
Pay attention to the consistency. Reality generally follows certain rules and laws. In fiction, the author can break these rules. For instance, in a fantasy novel, magic might be used to defy the laws of physics. But in the real world, we know that such things don't happen without scientific explanation. Also, the language used in non - fictional works is often more matter - of - fact, while in fiction, the language can be more creative and flowery.
One way is to research the real - life story of the Titans. Compare the known historical facts with what's shown in the movie. For instance, the movie might show a particular player as being more heroic or having a more elaborate backstory than in real life. The real facts would be based on records and interviews from that time. The movie, 'Remember the Titans', might also compress time or combine multiple real - life events into one fictional scene for the sake of storytelling. So, by knowing the real history, you can pick out the fictional parts more easily.
In historical fiction, facts are often based on real historical events, people, or places. Fiction elements are added for the story's sake. For example, a historical novel about World War II might use real battles and historical figures like Churchill, but the conversations and personal relationships of fictional characters within that setting are fictional. One can research the historical context separately to see what's real and what's made up.
To distinguish between fact and fiction in '12 strong', consider the plausibility. If a situation seems like it was put in just for the shock value or to make the movie more exciting, it's probably fiction. For instance, a character making impossible jumps or stunts. On the other hand, the overall mission objective and the challenges faced in achieving it, if they are in line with real military missions, are facts. Also, the way the military chain of command is shown, if it adheres to real - life military protocols, is fact, while any deviation for the sake of a quick plot fix is fiction.
One way is to check the sources. Reliable historical facts are often based on primary sources like official documents, diaries, and archaeological findings. For example, if you're studying ancient Rome, official inscriptions on buildings are primary sources. Fiction, on the other hand, may lack such solid evidentiary support and might be more focused on entertainment and creating fictional scenarios.
To distinguish, look at the odds. In fact, the odds of winning in casino games are publicly available. If someone claims a different set of odds that are too good to be true, it's probably fiction. For example, in blackjack, the real odds are based on the number of decks used and the rules of the game.