Which term describes a novel that uses actual people and events disguised as fictional characters?

The term that describes a novel using actual people and events while disguising them as fictional characters is "roman à clef." This literary concept allows authors to explore real-life subjects within a fictional framework. The narrative often requires some background knowledge of the real figures and events being depicted, as the story blurs the lines between reality and fiction, providing insight into the author's perspective on those subjects. This technique can add layers of meaning and social commentary, as readers recognize the parallels between the fictionalized characters and their real-life counterparts.

While biography refers to the factual account of someone's life and historical fiction includes stories set in the past that may involve real events but emphasizes fictional characters and plots, neither captures the essence of presenting actual people under the guise of fictional representation as effectively as roman à clef does. Likewise, a fictional account might suggest a purely imaginative tale without the specific focus on real individuals and events being masked in that narrative. In this case, the specificity and nuanced approach of roman à clef make it the correct term to describe that type of novel.