What is a story commonly defined as?

A story is commonly defined as an account of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment. This definition encompasses a wide range of narratives, including folktales, novels, and even movies, all of which aim to engage the audience emotionally and intellectually. The element of storytelling inherently involves crafting a narrative that is compelling and enjoyable, drawing on both creativity and real-life experiences.

While it is true that stories can also serve educational purposes or contain factual elements, the primary goal of most narratives is to entertain the audience. This entertainment aspect can include humor, drama, suspense, or other emotive elements that captivate an audience's attention and provoke thought or emotion. Thus, the answer accurately captures the essence of what makes storytelling a powerful form of communication and art.