What is the format of epistolary novels?

Epistolary novels are characterized primarily by their use of letters written by characters. This format allows for a unique narrative style, as the story unfolds through these personal letters, providing insights into the characters' thoughts, feelings, and relationships. This method creates an intimate connection between the reader and the characters, as readers access private communications that reveal the characters' inner workings and motivations.

While diaries and journals do play a role in the epistolary format, they are more specific forms of writing that may not encompass the broader range of correspondence found within letters. Narrative form refers to the overall story structure, which can vary significantly beyond the confines of letters and journals. Multi-perspective narratives involve various viewpoints that can be explored through multiple characters, but they don't specifically define the essential characteristic of an epistolary novel, which centers on letters as its primary means of storytelling. The distinctiveness of the epistolary format lies in its reliance on direct communication through letters, making that answer the most accurate.