Evaluating Narrator Reliability/Credibility

Evaluating Narrator Reliability A narrator, especially a first person perspective, may change the events when telling the story because: the narrator has misinterpreted what was seen or heard. the narrator wants the reader’s empathy. the narrator is untrustworthy. the narrator does not fully understand the events as they are happening.

The Reader and the Narrator The reader enters a contract with the narrator when reading the story. The narrator will tell me what I need to know. The reader will have a response to the narrator. Can be positive or negative The reader must decide if the narrator should be trusted. Should everything be taken at face value?

Questions to Ask How much does the narrator know? Do events take place now or in the past? Is the narrator a participant in, or a witness to, the action? What is the motivation for telling the story? In a nutshell: Who are you and why are you telling me this?

The Reliable Narrator Can be trusted by the reader, even though the reader may not agree with the narrator Is honest even if the telling of the story is offensive or unpleasant Understands the plot Does not make assumptions or have feelings toward anyone Usually 3rd person, rarely 1st person

The Unreliable Narrator Cannot be trusted Misleads the readers Distorts the truth Makes assumptions and/or has feelings toward other characters Speaks or behaves in a manner which is not consistent throughout the story Usually 1st person, rarely 3rd person