What is the role of a person, animal, or thing that tells a story or gives an account of events?

The correct answer is indeed the narrator. The role of the narrator in a story is to convey the narrative, providing the perspective through which the events are presented to the audience. This includes sharing thoughts, feelings, and insights, as well as relaying the sequence of events that make up the plot. A narrator can also be a character within the story or an outside observer, shaping how the audience interprets the actions and motivations of other characters.

While a protagonist is the main character often faced with conflict, and a character can refer to any person or entity in the story, the narrator specifically focuses on the storytelling aspect. The term "speaker" pertains more to those who express thoughts or ideas, often in poetry or speeches, which does not encapsulate the broader function of storytelling attributed to a narrator. Thus, the role of the narrator is distinctly aimed at guiding the audience through the narrative, making this answer the most accurate.