Have you ever read a story or watched a film and felt like it was more than fiction? You could sense the emotions of the characters, feel their struggles, and almost hear the sounds around them. That feeling that a story is real is what makes it unforgettable. But why does this happen? How does a story make our brain believe it is real even when we know it is not?
Stories feel real because they tap into human experience. They use details, emotions, and sequences that mirror our lives. Our brains are wired to notice patterns, relate to people, and predict outcomes. When a story matches these instincts, it feels authentic. Children can often sense when a story fits with the world they know. This is why fairy tales, fables, or simple everyday stories stay in memory for years.
The history of storytelling shows that humans have always sought realism. In ancient times, storytellers in Africa, India, and Europe would add gestures, voices, and personal anecdotes to bring tales to life. In the 18th century, novels like Robinson Crusoe used detailed descriptions about ships, islands, and survival to create a world that readers could believe in. Today, writers continue this tradition by using facts, emotions, and sensory experiences to make their stories feel alive.
Characters are the heart of realism. When we meet a character who thinks, feels, and acts like a real person, we automatically empathise with them. Neuroscience research shows that our brain’s mirror neurons activate when we read about someone’s emotions or actions. This is why we might cry when a character is sad or smile when they succeed. Studies published in Nature Neuroscience confirm that stories trigger brain areas involved in emotion, empathy, and memory.
Setting and context also make stories feel real. Small details like the smell of rain on the pavement, the sound of a train passing, or the rhythm of city life transport the reader. You can see how journalists and content creators use sensory-rich storytelling to make complex ideas relatable. Even in science communication, describing the lab, the cells under a microscope, or the process of discovery in clear terms makes the story concrete.
Timing and sequence matter too. A story that unfolds logically with cause and effect helps the brain understand and anticipate events. This sequence mirrors how we experience life. We see one event leading to another and we relate to characters’ choices along the way. This alignment between story and lived experience makes narratives believable. Modern examples include movies and books that follow real-life timelines where readers can almost predict what will happen next.
Stories feel real –
1. Characters with depth – People act, think, and feel like real humans
2. Emotion-driven narrative – The story triggers feelings we recognise from life
3. Sensory details – Sight, sound, smell, and touch make experiences tangible
4. Logical sequence – Events unfold in a believable order
5. Conflict and stakes – Challenges and obstacles feel like real problems
6. Cultural and historical context – Stories are grounded in a world we can relate to
7. Relatable dialogue – Conversations mirror how people actually speak
Stories also feel real when they connect to personal experiences. When a story mirrors our own struggles, desires, or joys, the brain forms mental connections immediately. Researchers from Stanford University and MIT show that readers engage the same neural pathways when imagining a story as when experiencing a real event. This is why memoirs, biographies, and personal narratives often leave the strongest impression.
Even the smallest details contribute to realism. Naming objects, describing settings, or including habits and routines creates a world that our minds can inhabit. For example, saying “she sipped tea from a chipped mug while watching the rain hit the window” feels far more real than simply saying “she drank tea.” Forbes highlighted how brands use these details in storytelling to make adverts feel authentic, building trust and connection with audiences.
The way a story is told, its tone, pace, and perspective also affects believability. First-person narratives allow readers to see events through a character’s eyes, increasing empathy. Third-person limited perspectives focus on individual experiences, letting us understand internal thoughts. Writers like Haruki Murakami, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie use these techniques to immerse readers completely. Neuroscience suggests this triggers multiple brain areas, combining cognition, emotion, and sensory perception.
Science helps explain why these techniques work. When we read realistic stories, our brain releases chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine helps us anticipate events and stay engaged while oxytocin promotes empathy and social connection. These chemical responses make the story feel lived-in and personal. Even in biotechnology storytelling, explaining experiments through characters, decisions, and emotions rather than dry facts creates a narrative audiences can relate to.
Modern media continues to explore realism in storytelling. Films, podcasts, and interactive media use immersive techniques such as audio cues, real-world footage, and virtual reality. Some News has reported on VR storytelling in education and healthcare, showing how immersive experiences make lessons and medical training more effective. These methods all aim to replicate the feeling of real life, letting the audience step inside the story.
Stories feel real when they combine relatable characters, emotions, sensory details, logical sequence, stakes, context, and realistic dialogue. Science shows that this activates the brain in ways that mimic real experiences, forming lasting memories. Writers, educators, and storytellers can use these principles to craft stories that resonate with readers, making the imagined world feel alive. Stories that feel real teach, entertain, and inspire.