Story within a story

A "story within a story" occurs when one narrative contains another separate story as part of its structure. This can happen through characters sharing tales, a character recalling past events, or a fictional world that includes its own stories. It creates layers, adding depth and complexity, and often reflects themes or characters’ perspectives. For example, a novel might feature a character telling a legend, which then becomes a story within the main story. This technique enriches storytelling by offering multiple viewpoints, emphasizing connections, or illustrating cultural traditions, making the overall narrative more engaging and multi-dimensional.