1. Realistic Characters and Relationships:
* The Loser's Club: The children in the Loser's Club are portrayed with relatable flaws and complex relationships, reflecting the dynamics of real childhood friendships. Their fears, insecurities, and individual personalities feel authentic.
* Parental Relationships: The children's relationships with their parents are depicted with a mixture of love, fear, and understanding. The parents are flawed, but they are also trying to navigate their own challenges, making them feel more real.
* Societal Issues: The story addresses issues like bullying, poverty, and societal prejudice, grounding the narrative in the real-world problems faced by children in the 1950s and 1980s.
2. Realistic Setting and Atmosphere:
* Derry, Maine: King's detailed descriptions of Derry, a fictional town in Maine, create a believable atmosphere. The rundown infrastructure, the sense of decay, and the oppressive climate contribute to the story's sense of realism.
* Historical Context: The story is set against the backdrop of specific historical events and cultural trends, adding to its authenticity and grounding it in a tangible period.
3. Realistic Fears and Trauma:
* Childhood Fears: The novel explores the universal childhood fears of monsters, the dark, and the unknown, making them relatable to readers.
* The Effects of Trauma: The characters experience the lasting effects of trauma, both physical and emotional, highlighting the real-world consequences of abuse and violence.
4. Realistic Actions and Reactions:
* The Children's Reactions: The children's reactions to the supernatural threats are believable, ranging from fear and denial to courage and resilience.
* Adult Behavior: The adult characters are shown to be both helpful and unhelpful in dealing with the supernatural threat, reflecting the real-world complexities of human behavior in the face of danger.
Overall, while "IT" is a horror novel, King uses realism to ground the story and make the characters and their experiences relatable. The inclusion of realistic elements enhances the impact of the supernatural horror and allows readers to connect with the story on a deeper level.