Which of the following characteristics is true of an epic? An epic tells a story about everyday life. An epic tells a story about a hero who performs amazing feats. An epic hascusses the origins of the world. Anat is illustrated by a character's downfall.

The characteristic **"An epic tells a story about a hero who performs amazing feats."** is true of an epic. **Explanation of the Options:** 1. **"An epic tells a story about everyday life."** - **Incorrect:** This characteristic is more typical of realistic fiction or slice-of-life genres, not epics. Epics usually focus on grand, heroic narratives rather than ordinary daily activities. 2. **"An epic tells a story about a hero who performs amazing feats."** - **Correct:** Epics center around heroic figures who undertake significant quests or battles, showcasing extraordinary deeds and virtues. Examples include Homer's *Iliad* and *Odyssey*, which focus on heroes like Achilles and Odysseus. 3. **"An epic discusses the origins of the world."** - **Incorrect:** While epics may incorporate mythological elements, the specific focus on the world's origins is more characteristic of creation myths or cosmological stories, not necessarily all epics. 4. **"An epic is illustrated by a character's downfall."** - **Incorrect:** This characteristic aligns more closely with tragedies, where the narrative revolves around the protagonist's fall from grace or failure. Epics typically emphasize the hero's triumphs and significant achievements rather than their downfalls. **Therefore, the second option accurately reflects a true characteristic of an epic.** **Answer:** An epic tells a story about a hero who performs amazing feats.