What is the difference between a story and an anecdote?

A story is an elaborate narrative, following a structured format that includes elements such as characters, plot, conflict, and resolution. Its purpose is to engage the audience more deeply, often with layered meanings, dilemmas, or subtext.

On the other hand, an anecdote is typically a short narrative that focuses on a specific event or experience, often from a personal viewpoint. It usually has a simple structure with a beginning, middle, and end but lacks the complexity of a full narrative. Its purpose is usually to illustrate a point or to entertain.