Final answer:
The statement that 'The characters cannot control events' best describes why "An Episode of War" is considered a naturalistic story because it showcases characters trapped by circumstances and ruled by their environment, aligning with the naturalistic theme of characters being at the mercy of forces beyond their control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that describes why "An Episode of War" is a naturalistic story is B. The characters cannot control events. Naturalistic fiction is characterized by a perception of humans as small and insignificant, often at the mercy of a vast and indifferent nature or social force. In this context, characters are frequently portrayed as victims of environment and hereditary traits, with their free will being largely constrained by these forces. An Episode of War, by Stephen Crane, fits this definition as it depicts the indifference of nature to human suffering and struggle and how the characters are helplessly caught in events beyond their control.
Naturalism is also known for its journalistic style of writing, where narrative distance is maintained, and characters may not be named, highlighting their general insignificance. The works of naturalism often feature characters that cannot escape their fates, represented by a predetermined plot commonly referred to as a "plot of decline", where characters are degraded or meet an unfortunate end due to forces beyond their control, including social conditions or natural adversities.