What is a real answer in a fugue characterized by?

In a fugue, a real answer is characterized by the exact transposition of the subject. This means that when the subject is repeated in a different voice, it appears in a new key but retains the same melodic contour and rhythmic values as the original. This transposition typically occurs at the interval of a fifth or fourth, depending on the tonal relationships established in the piece.

The concept of a real answer is important in the structure of a fugue because it helps maintain the integrity of the musical idea while allowing for modulation and development. This aspect of counterpoint is essential in creating the complex texture for which fugues are known.

In contrast, when options refer to other characteristics, such as maintaining intervals for tonality or repeating a countersubject, they pertain to different aspects of counterpoint and composite techniques within a fugue rather than the definition of a real answer. Similarly, the idea of all voices entering together describes a different scoring technique—called a "stretto" or "exposition"—that is relevant to the overall structure but not specific to the definition of a real answer. Thus, the focus on the exact transposition is what correctly identifies this specific characteristic in the context of a fugue.