Which of the following is a characteristic often found in tall tales?

Tall tales are a distinctive genre of American folklore that often celebrate the exaggerated adventures and larger-than-life feats of their protagonists, frequently based on historical figures or common folk. The defining feature of tall tales is their use of hyperbole, which amplifies the qualities and experiences of these characters to an extreme level, creating entertaining and sometimes comical narratives.

Focusing on the correct choice, the exaggerated adventures of historical characters fit perfectly within the tall tale tradition. These narratives typically take a real person or community figure and blow their attributes and experiences out of proportion, making them seem almost mythical. For example, characters like Paul Bunyan or John Henry are celebrated for their larger-than-life endeavors that stretch the realm of possibility, embodying the spirit of adventure and imagination inherent in this genre.

In contrast, realistic portrayals of everyday life would not align with the tall tale tradition, as such stories aim to depict the extraordinary rather than the ordinary. Mythical creatures as main characters belong more to the realm of fantasy or folklore rather than tall tales specifically focused on human experiences. Finally, while supernatural elements certainly appear in various literary genres, they do not necessarily define tall tales; the hallmark of tall tales lies in grounded human characters and their exaggerated exploits.