What is a Roman à clef novel in which characters are based on real people?

While "Roman à clef" literally translates to "novel with a key," it doesn't necessarily mean the characters are *solely* based on real people. It's more about using real-life events and individuals as inspiration while thinly veiling them with fictional names and situations.

Here are a few classic examples of Roman à clef novels:

* "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway: This novel is widely believed to be based on Hemingway's experiences in Paris during the 1920s, with characters like Jake Barnes inspired by real figures like himself and his friends.

* "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton: This novel depicts the upper crust of New York society in the late 19th century, with many speculating that characters like Newland Archer are based on real individuals.

* "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh: This novel is considered a fictionalized portrayal of the life of the Mitford family, a prominent English family known for their political and social connections.

It's important to note that the term "Roman à clef" isn't always explicitly stated. Many readers and critics often speculate about the real-life inspirations behind characters and situations in novels, especially those that seem to draw heavily from contemporary events or personalities.

In short, a Roman à clef uses a "key" to unlock hidden meanings and connections to real people and events, but the degree of resemblance can vary greatly.