Which of these techniques originated in the realist era? the trend of using heroic characters the use of dialect in speech the trend of employing tragic themes the use of imaginary settings

The correct answer is B. The use of dialect in speech originated in the realist era.

Dialect is a form of language specific to a region or group. Dialect conveys the specific words and patterns of speech -- as a result, it is a very realistic technique. Dialect allows the reader to experience the way a character would speak in real life.

Heroic characters, tragic themes, and imaginary settings appeared much earlier and therefore are not realist techniques.