Final answer:
The two most important literary elements for realist writers are characterization and plot, as they closely interlink with each other to develop a convincing narrative reflective of ordinary lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
For realist writers, two literary elements stood out as being equally important: characterization and plot. This is because in realistic fiction, characters are often complex, three-dimensional figures with nuanced personalities and are reflective of ordinary people. They have plausible, real-life struggles and are not exclusively good or bad. The depth of these characters and how they navigate their challenges often drives the plot of the story. Realists moved beyond the local color and regional writing by developing characters who used ordinary speech appropriate to their class, which in turn advanced the plot in a believable manner. Therefore, it's the intricate dance between characterization and plot that is the cornerstone of Realist literature.