What is the primary purpose of an anecdote in literature?

An anecdote serves the primary purpose of entertaining the audience by providing a brief, engaging story that often illustrates a point or theme. Anecdotes are effective as they can evoke emotions, create relatable scenarios, and often add humor or insight, which can capture readers' or listeners' attention. While anecdotes can also serve other functions, such as developing character or illustrating a problem, their core nature lies in their ability to engage and entertain the audience through storytelling. This element of entertainment makes anecdotes a popular tool in both literature and oral storytelling.