What is the difference between fiction and nonfiction?

A work of fiction comes from the imagination, while nonfiction work is based on facts. A fictitious story may be based on real events or people and may contain certain facts, but if the overall work is made up, then it is considered fiction.

The goal of nonfiction is to present events, people, places and other information as accurately as possible. Types of fiction include mysteries, love stories, fantasy, science fiction, horror and many other genres. Nonfiction also can take many forms, such as biographies, historical accounts, how-to books, documentaries and travel books. Fiction and nonfiction work can be presented in books, magazines or films.