Final answer:
Realists based their writing on careful observation of commonplace people and events. They aimed to portray realistic characters who experienced plausible real-life struggles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The realists based their writing on careful observation of commonplace people and events. They rejected Romantic features of emotionalism and idealism, and instead focused on depicting everyday subjects and situations in contemporary settings. The realists aimed to portray realistic characters who resembled ordinary people and experienced plausible real-life struggles. In their stories, the plot often revolved around a character working through or reacting to a particular issue or struggle.