Anecdote: GCSE English Definition

What is an anecdote?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, an anecdote is a short, personal story which links the audience with the writer. They are often amusing or entertaining in nature.

Why do writers use anecdotes?

Writers use short anecdotes to highlight a point, a central theme or event. In literature, they can be used to give the reader a deeper understanding of a character, such as through their background or motives. Anecdotes are also often used in persuasive writing in order to engage the reader on a personal level.

Examples of anecdotes

Anecdotes can be personal, historical, cautionary, humorous, philosophical or inspirational. They can also be used by writers to highlight a key theme or as a literary device.

For example, in The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald, Daisy starts to tell Nick an anecdote about “the butler’s nose” to highlight the careless nature of wealthy Americans.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to analyse anecdotes in literary texts and how to use them in your own English Language writing with our GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes 

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.