Leo N. Tolstoy's story “God Sees the Truth, But Waits” is an effective story for many reasons. Through its imagery and style, the elements play a large role in why this story is so successful. Using literary elements such as plot, character, and setting, Tolstoy created a story enjoyed by readers around the world. The author makes the plot of the story intriguing, with false accusations and even a murder. The story begins with a merchant named Ivan Dimitrich Aksionov who wanted to go to the Nizhny Fair to try to sell his goods. However, just before leaving, his wife informed him that she had dreamed that he returned from the fair but all his hair had turned grey. She also told him that she thought the dream was a bad sign and that he should postpone the trip. But he didn't listen to me and still swept away the dream of leaving for the trip. During the journey he met a merchant he had met previously and spent the evening with him drinking tea before going to sleep in the nearby rooms. The next morning he woke up and there were soldiers asking him questions, for the merchant he had hosted with the night before had been found dead. Aksionov had tried to tell the soldiers that he was innocent, but a bloody knife was found in his bag. Because of this, all evidence pointed to Aksionov and he was imprisoned. After 26 years in prison, Aksionov had begun to lose faith in his family and hope in himself. Then one day a new prisoner arrived. His name was Makar Semyonich. After meeting Makar, it was revealed that he was the one who killed the merchant. He also learned that Makar was creating a hole in one of the walls to use as an escape route. Alth... middle of the paper... later. God waits to test Aksionov's faith. After being imprisoned, he is presented with two choices: he can be filled with anger and hatred for having been wrongly accused, or he can pray and put his faith in God. However, despite having decided on the latter, the moment the truth is revealed and the order for his release arrives, he is already dead. This is Tolstoy's way of showing the true themes of the story, forgiveness and faith. This also connects to Leo Tolstoy's personal life, when he remained true to his faith even though it led to him being isolated from his family and peers. Leo Tolstoy makes the story "God Sees the Truth but Waits" a success simply by using literary elements to make the story come alive. Through character development, thought-provoking plot, and gripping conflict, Tolstoy had captured the attention of audiences everywhere.