What word describes something that is very interesting and able to capture and hold your attention?

The word "compelling" refers to something that is extremely interesting, engaging, or captivating, effectively grabbing the audience's attention and holding it. This term is often used in literature to describe narratives or characters that are so fascinating that readers find themselves drawn into the story, unable to look away. A compelling work not only captures interest but also stimulates emotional or intellectual responses, making it more immersive for the audience.

In contrast, "tense" typically describes situations filled with anxiety or suspense, which may or may not engage someone’s interest in a compelling way. "Ironic" deals with a contrast between expectations and reality, often with a twist, but it doesn’t inherently imply engagement. "Comic" relates to humor and is focused on inducing laughter; while it may capture attention, it does so through a different emotional avenue than the profundity often associated with something described as compelling. Thus, the choice of "compelling" accurately reflects the notion of something that is not just interesting but also powerfully engaging.