The Bible values stories
Scripture itself is full of carefully told narrative. It records real people and events, yet it also uses imaginative forms to teach. Jesus regularly taught crowds through parables, short stories that invited listeners to recognise something true about God, themselves, and his kingdom (Matthew 13:34).
Nathan confronted David after David's sin with Bathsheba by telling a story about a rich man, a poor man, and a beloved lamb. The story exposed David's injustice before Nathan applied it directly to him (2 Samuel 12:1-7). That moment shows how a crafted story can reach the conscience in a way a blunt statement may not.
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
Fiction is not the same as lying
A lie tries to make someone believe what is false. Fiction normally makes a different agreement with the reader: this is an invented story. A novel, poem, fable, or screenplay does not become dishonest simply because its characters and events are made up.
Still, Christians are called to speak truthfully with one another (Ephesians 4:25). A writer should not disguise invention as fact in order to deceive, manipulate readers, or damage another person's reputation. Clear labelling and honest intent matter.
Ask what a story is forming in you
The question is not only, "Is this fictional?" It is also, "What is this doing to my heart and mind?" Paul points believers towards what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of a good report (Philippians 4:8). That gives a wise direction for choosing what to dwell on.
This does not mean every worthwhile story must be cheerful or tidy. The Bible includes grief, violence, betrayal, and human failure. But it does not celebrate evil as good. When a book makes cruelty attractive, feeds lust, mocks what is holy, or leaves you less able to love God and neighbour, stepping away can be a faithful choice.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Use freedom with wisdom
Paul told the Corinthian church that not everything permitted is helpful or builds people up (1 Corinthians 10:23). That is a useful test for both readers and writers. Does this story help you grow in wisdom, empathy, courage, or delight in what is good? Does your writing serve people, or does it merely chase shock and attention?
Christians will draw some boundaries differently. One person may read a dark crime novel without being drawn towards sin, while another may find it disturbing or spiritually unhelpful. Romans 14:23 warns against acting against conscience. Don't pressure someone to consume material they believe they should avoid, and don't assume another believer's different, careful choice is rebellion.
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.