Final answer:
The Realism and Naturalism periods focused on depicting everyday life and ordinary people, with Naturalism showcasing the influence of heredity and environment on individuals in more stark terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic feature of the Realism and Naturalism periods, which spanned roughly from 1865 to 1914, is the depiction of everyday life and ordinary characters in art and literature. These periods emerged as a reaction to the idealized, embellished portrayals of the Romantic era. Realism sought to represent life in a truthful, objective manner, often focusing on the middle class and the changes urbanization and industrialization brought upon society. Naturalism, while related to Realism in its depiction of real life, took a more determinist approach. It often portrayed individuals as being influenced by their environment and heredity, leading to harsher and more stark depictions of life's struggles.