What is the purpose of comic relief in literature?

The primary purpose of comic relief in literature is to lighten the mood. This technique introduces humor into a serious or intense narrative, providing the audience with a brief respite from tension. By injecting comedic moments, authors can help balance the emotional weight of a story, making it more enjoyable and engaging for readers. This lightheartedness often allows the audience to process the drama or conflict without becoming overwhelmed, enhancing their overall experience of the narrative.

In contrast, background information serves a different function by providing context rather than alleviating tension. Developing characters involves deepening the audience's understanding of the characters' motivations and complexities, which is typically a more serious endeavor. Advancing the plot focuses on moving the story forward, which may not always involve humor. Thus, while comic relief can indirectly assist in character development and plot progression, its main role is to create moments of levity amid a narrative's heavier themes.