Which term describes a novel that requires a real-life frame of reference for full understanding?

A novel described as a "roman à clef" incorporates real-life events, characters, or situations that require readers to understand the historical or social context in order to fully appreciate the narrative. This genre invites readers to recognize and interpret the parallels between the fictional world and reality, enhancing the depth of the reading experience. The term itself translates to "novel with a key," suggesting that readers need to decipher the "key" that connects fiction to real-life references.

In contrast, an autobiography recounts the author's personal life, while an epistolary novel is characterized by its use of letters or other forms of communication to tell the story. Metafiction, on the other hand, refers to a self-referential narrative that draws attention to its own fictional status, but does not specifically require a real-life frame for comprehension. Hence, the "roman à clef" is the most accurate term for a novel that necessitates a grasp of real-life context for complete understanding.