Final answer:
An author tells a story using fiction to immerse readers into the narrative, making them feel part of the story using literary techniques that include descriptive imagery, showing vs. telling, characterization, and emotional content.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an author tells a story or describes imaginary characters, places, or events, they are engaging in the art of writing fiction. The aim is to immerse the reader into the story, creating a vivid experience that makes the reader feel as if they are a part of the narrative. This immersion is achieved by using a variety of literary techniques such as descriptive imagery, dialogue, character growth, and conflict.
To create this immersion, authors utilize showing rather than telling. By showing, authors provide specific details that appeal to the readers' senses and emotions, crafting an experience that is both memorable and engaging. For instance, through descriptive imagery, the narrator details what characters see, hear, taste, feel, and smell, often with a robust emotional content that brings the story to life.
A successful narrative, whether it be creative nonfiction or pure fiction, often includes a clear setting, a plot with some tension or conflict, well-developed characters, and the use of metaphors and other literary devices to enhance the storytelling. In this way, authors offer readers an opportunity to connect with the characters and imagine experiencing the events first-hand, which is essential for engaging and retaining their interest.