Fiction, from the Latin term fingere, meaning "to shape, form, devise, or create," perhaps derived from a Proto-Indo-European meaning "to knead or form out of clay." And isn't that what writing fiction is all about -- forming a living story out of the clay of imagination?
Some stories are based on actual events. Some revolve around real people. Some report genuine observations. The underlying Truth of nonfiction stories make them all the more gripping.
We take unique pleasure in seeing the familiar transformed into something new. Adapted works offer us the best of both worlds -- the comfort of old friends combined with the novelty of a new acquaintance.