What adjective might be used for a story that captures the audience with its engaging narrative?

The adjective "compelling" is particularly suitable for describing a story that captures the audience with its engaging narrative. A compelling story has the ability to draw in readers or viewers, making them feel invested in the plot and characters. This quality often comes from a strong combination of well-developed characters, intriguing plotlines, and emotional depth, all of which work together to hold the audience’s attention and arouse their interest.

In contrast, while "comic" suggests humor and may engage an audience, it does not necessarily imply a strong narrative or emotional investment. "Tense" refers to a feeling of suspense or anxiety, which may indeed engage audiences but emphasizes a specific mood rather than overall engagement through narrative strength. "Vivid" relates to the clarity and descriptiveness of the imagery used in the story, which can enhance engagement but doesn’t inherently capture the essence of how gripping the narrative is overall. Thus, "compelling" most directly encapsulates the quality of engaging storytelling.