Answer:
A. examined social issues through their characters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The realist writers refers to a group of writers which emerged in the middle of 19th century. Rather than focusing on drama, mythology, or mister in their writing, they focused on real social issues that caused a problem in Western societies after industrial revolution.
The Social issues that these writers covered varied from politics, culture, or economic problems. Such as the poor treatment that the workers receive from factory owners, corrupt government officials, women's suffrage, etc.