Which of the following best defines verisimilitude in art or literature?

Verisimilitude refers to the quality of appearing to be true or real within the context of art or literature. When a work exhibits verisimilitude, it convincingly represents reality, creating an illusion that the depicted events, characters, or settings could exist in the real world. This concept is vital in storytelling, as it helps to immerse the audience in the narrative, making the experience more relatable and engaging.

While options like over-exaggeration and surface realism contain elements that might pertain to representation, they do not capture the full essence of verisimilitude, which hinges on a profound sense of reality and authenticity in portrayal. Complete fiction, on the other hand, stands diametrically opposed to the idea of representing reality, as it suggests a lack of any basis in real-world truths or experiences. Thus, representation of reality succinctly encapsulates the concept of verisimilitude in both art and literature.