When an author writes to entertain, which of the following might they use?

When an author writes to entertain, the use of fictional characters and humorous situations plays a crucial role in engaging the audience and providing enjoyment. This approach often involves storytelling elements that draw readers into imaginative scenarios, elicit laughter, or create a sense of joy. By crafting relatable or whimsical characters and constructing situations that are humorous or epic, authors can captivate their audience, drawing them away from reality for a time and allowing them to immerse themselves in a different world.

Other options like statistical data or technical jargon typically serve more informative or analytical purposes and are unlikely to entertain a general audience. Historical analysis can be engaging when presented creatively, but it does not inherently possess the entertainment value associated with fiction and humor, which are central to this type of writing. Thus, the use of fictional characters and humorous situations is a hallmark of entertaining writing, making it the most suitable answer.