What is typically included in an index at the end of a book?

An index at the end of a book serves as a comprehensive, organized list of subjects, topics, and terms that are referenced throughout the text. It allows readers to easily locate specific information by providing page numbers where these subjects can be found. This organization often includes subheadings and alphabetical arrangement, which enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of searching for particular information within the book.

Other elements, such as character descriptions, a list of key figures and events, or even a table of contents for each chapter, are not typically part of an index. These components serve different purposes within the structure of a book. Character descriptions and key figures would likely be found in other sections, such as the narrative itself or perhaps a glossary, while the table of contents provides an overview of the book’s structure but doesn’t list specific mentions of topics in the way an index does. Therefore, the organized list of subjects referenced is indeed the correct characteristic of an index.