What defines a roman a clef?

A roman à clef is a type of narrative that features real-life figures disguised as fictional characters, often using a key or a code that allows readers to identify these individuals. This form of storytelling enables authors to explore real-world events and personal relationships while maintaining a degree of distance and artistic freedom, often leading to commentary on those events or individuals.

The essence of a roman à clef is its blend of factual elements with fictional writing, allowing authors to delve into the complexities of the subjects they portray without directly exposing or critiquing them. This creates an engaging layer for readers who may be familiar with the people and scenarios referenced. In contrast, the other options do not capture this unique characteristic: one speaks solely to fiction, another to twist endings, and another to biographies, none of which inherently involve the distinct aspect of real individuals being represented in a disguised manner.