Tale. Although it can refer to a shorter story as well, a long - winded tale can also be a long continuing story.
Narrative. It is a general term for a story, and when it's long and continuous, it can be used to describe what you're looking for.
Sagas. Sagas are long, involved stories, often with a historical or cultural background. They usually tell the story of a family or a group over a long period of time. For example, the Icelandic sagas which are a collection of long stories about the early settlers in Iceland, their lives, adventures, and family feuds.
Another word could be 'yarn'. This is a more informal term for a story, which can be long or short. It gives the idea of a story that is spun, as if the teller is spinning a thread of narrative. For example, 'He told a long yarn about his adventures in the mountains.'
Well, 'legend' can be used. Legends are stories that are often based on real or partly real events or people but have been embellished over time with heroic and extraordinary elements. They can be passed down orally or in written form and usually involve a hero or group of heroes who do something remarkable. Take King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as an example, it's a well - known legend.
Yes, 'antecedents' can also be a word for back story. Antecedents are things that have happened or existed before a particular event or situation. When we talk about a character's antecedents, we are referring to their past experiences, family upbringing, and any events that have influenced who they are in the present, which is all part of their back story.
Sketch. This word can be used to refer to a short story as it gives the idea of a brief and often rough or unpolished piece of writing, similar to a quick sketch in art.
A farcical story. Farcical means something extremely funny in a rather absurd way.
Central figure. Just like in 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet are the central figures. They are the ones the story is mainly about, and their relationship and the events around it form the core of the play.
Family chronicle. It's like a record or account of family events over time.
Yarn. This is a more informal way of referring to a story, often used when the story is a bit of a tall tale or something that might be exaggerated for entertainment purposes.