Leo N. Tolstoy's short story "God Sees the Truth, but Waits" is an effective short story for many reasons. Through their images and style, the elements play an important role in the success of this story. Using literary elements such as plot, character, and setting, Tolstoy created a story beloved by readers around the world. The author makes the plot of the story intriguing, with false accusations and even 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 he left, his wife informed him that she had dreamed that he was returning from the fair but that all his hair had turned gray. She also told him that she thought this dream was a bad sign and that he should postpone his trip. However, he didn't listen and still pushed the dream away by going on a trip. During the journey he met a merchant he had known previously and spent the evening with him drinking tea before retiring to bed in adjoining rooms. The next morning he woke up and soldiers asked him questions, because the trader he had sheltered the previous night had been found dead. Aksionov tried to tell the soldiers he was innocent, but a bloody knife was found in his bag. For this reason, all evidence pointed to Aksionov and he was imprisoned. After 26 years in prison, Aksionov began to lose confidence in his family and 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 emergency exit. Well...... middle of paper...... later. God is waiting to test Aksionov's faith. After being imprisoned, he is faced with two choices: either he is filled with anger and hatred for being wrongly accused, or he can pray and put his faith in God. However, although he decides on the latter, by the time the truth is revealed and the order for his release comes, he is already dead. This is Tolstoy's way of showing the true themes of the story, forgiveness and faith. This also ties into Leo Tolstoy's personal life, where he remained committed to his faith, even though it isolated him from his family and peers. Leo Tolstoy makes the short story “God Sees the Truth but Waits” a success simply by using the literary elements to bring the story to life. Through his character development, thought-provoking plot, and captivating conflicts, Tolstoy had captured the attention of audiences around the world..