"The Art of Fiction" is an essay by Henry James that explores the nature and craft of writing fiction. In this work, James discusses the importance of character development, narrative structure, and the writer's responsibility to create a believable world. He emphasizes that fiction should reflect the complexities of life and human experience. James also critiques the conventions of his time, advocating for a more nuanced approach to storytelling. He encourages writers to focus on the subtleties of character interactions and the psychological depth of their subjects, ultimately aiming to elevate the art of fiction to a higher standard.