The Function of Stories – Explained Simply
What Is This Paper About?
Dr. Sarah Dillon wrote this article to help us understand why stories are important—not
just to entertain, but to teach, connect, and influence us. We hear or tell stories every day,
but we don’t always realise how powerful they are. This paper explains six big ways that
stories help us in real life.
1. Stories Help Us Communicate
Stories are a great way to share ideas and information with others. A story is more than just
facts—it shows how people feel, what they do, and what happens next. That’s why stories
are easier to remember and more interesting than plain facts.
Example: If you want to teach someone about being kind, you could tell them a story about a
child who shared their lunch with a hungry friend. That story makes the idea clear and
touching.
2. Stories Help Us Know Who We Are
We use stories to explain who we are and where we come from. People tell stories about
their lives, their families, their communities, and even their countries. These stories help us
understand our own identity and feel part of a group.
Example: A family might tell the story of how grandparents moved to a new country and
worked hard to build a life. That story helps the younger family members feel proud of their
roots.
3. Stories Help Us Feel What Others Feel (Empathy)
Stories can help us step into someone else’s shoes. By imagining how a character feels, we
learn to care about others’ thoughts and emotions. This makes us kinder and more
understanding people.
Example: Reading a story about a lonely child who finds a friend helps us understand what
it feels like to be left out—and why friendship matters.
4. Stories Teach Us About the Social World
Stories give us clues about how people behave, what is considered right or wrong, and how
society works. This helps us learn how to make decisions, solve problems, and get along
with others.
Example: In a story where a character lies and gets into trouble, we learn that honesty is
important, and lying can have bad consequences.
5. Stories Help Us Practise for Real Life (Simulation)
Stories are like practice runs for life. We imagine being in different situations and think
about what we would do. This helps us get ready for real-life challenges, without facing
danger or failure.
Example: A story about a hero saving someone during a fire helps us imagine being brave in
scary moments—even if we’ve never faced a fire ourselves.
6. Stories Can Change Our Minds (Persuasion)
Stories can influence what we believe. A good story can make us think differently about
something, even more than facts or arguments. That’s why stories are used in books,
movies, advertisements, and speeches.
Example: A movie that shows how pollution hurts animals might make us care more about
the environment—and want to recycle or plant trees.
Final Message for Students
Stories are powerful tools. They don’t just entertain us—they teach lessons, build character,
create empathy, and prepare us for life. Whether you're reading a fairy tale, watching a
movie, or hearing a story from your grandparents, you’re learning something valuable. So
keep listening to stories—and try telling your own too!
