What characteristic defines epistolary poetry?

Epistolary poetry is defined specifically by its format, which involves the writing and reading of poems as letters. This characteristic allows the poet to engage directly with the audience or another character, creating a personal and intimate connection. The structured form resembling correspondence allows the exploration of themes such as longing, love, regret, or communication itself, giving the piece a unique emotional resonance that standard narrative or expressive poetry might not capture in the same way. By conveying thoughts and feelings in the familiar structure of a letter, epistolary poetry can evoke a strong sense of immediacy and authenticity.