: Re: Should we add a character in a story for realistic effect? In my novel, the protagonist is divorced and moves from London to another city in Britain. The setting is 2013. The protagonist

@Samaraweera193

Realism is just another style in art. So the general answer for doing anything for the sake of realism depends on three questions:


Is realism the style of this book, to the extent that including events and characters that aren't significant in the larger narrative is an important stylistic choice? (this is unusual)
If not, is it significantly likely to damage readers' enjoyment of the book and/or suspension of disbelief to not do this? (@Galastel has provided an excellent practical answer to this difficulty)
If not, does this (character/event/setting) serve the book? (a question you should always ask, regardless of other considerations)


Most realist books are only superficially realistic, and the audience understands and expects that minor (and sometimes major) differences from real life will be made in order to make a better and more enjoyable story. That's an foundational part of the storyteller's art.

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