Local color refers to the unique characteristics, customs, and features of a specific region or community that distinguish it from others. This can include aspects such as dialect, traditions, food, and clothing, which help to create a vivid picture of the local culture. Writers often use local color to enhance their storytelling by providing readers with a sense of place and atmosphere. In literature, local color is often employed to evoke a strong sense of setting and to immerse readers in the experiences of characters. For example, the works of authors like Mark Twain and Zora Neale Hurston showcase local color through their detailed descriptions of Mississippi River life and African American culture in the South, respectively.