Final answer:
Freedom of expression is the distinctive feature of freedom within the arts and fiction, allowing authors to create without direct governmental interference but not exempting them from legal consequences if content crosses certain societal and legal boundaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinctive feature of freedom within the arts, particularly in fiction, is the freedom of expression. This involves the ability of authors to imagine and distribute their work without preliminary obligations or governmental censorship, although they may still be subject to legal consequences if their content is deemed obscene or harmful. Fiction writers exercise this freedom through their creative process, unbound by reality, giving rise to various genres and expressions of human existence.
This freedom, however, is not absolute and can be limited by factors such as societal standards, legal implications, and potential harmful effects to individuals and society as demonstrated by the Miller test and laws against threats and defamation.