Types of Unreliable Narrators

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 124 views

Introduction

In the world of literature, a narrator's reliability is crucial in shaping the reader's perception of the story. A trustworthy narrator can create a sense of authenticity, drawing the reader into the narrative and making them invested in the characters and plot. However, when a narrator's trustworthiness is called into question, it can lead to a complex and intriguing reading experience. In this article, we will explore the types of narrators that can cause the reader to suspect a lack of trustworthiness.

The Unreliable Narrator

An unreliable narrator is a character who narrates the story while withholding or distorting information, often due to their own biases, limitations, or motivations. This type of narrator can create suspense, mystery, and tension, keeping the reader engaged and curious. However, it can also lead to confusion, frustration, and a sense of distrust.

Types of Unreliable Narrators

There are several types of unreliable narrators, each with their own unique characteristics and motivations. Some of the most common types include:

A. Omniscient Narrators

An omniscient narrator is a character who has complete knowledge of the story and its characters. However, when an omniscient narrator is also unreliable, it can create a sense of unease and distrust. This type of narrator may withhold information, distort facts, or even lie to the reader.

Example: In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," the narrator Nick Carraway is often seen as an omniscient narrator. However, his own biases and limitations make him an unreliable narrator, as he often distorts or withholds information to suit his own purposes.

B. Limited Narrators

A limited narrator is a character who has limited knowledge of the story and its characters. This type of narrator may be unaware of certain events, characters, or motivations, which can create a sense of mystery and suspense. However, when a limited narrator is also unreliable, it can lead to confusion and frustration.

Example: In William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies," the narrator is a limited narrator who is unaware of certain events and motivations. However, the narrator's own biases and limitations make him an unreliable narrator, as he often distorts or withholds information to suit his own purposes.

C. Unreliable First-Person Narrators

An unreliable first-person narrator is a character who narrates the story in the first person while withholding or distorting information. This type of narrator can create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, but it can also lead to confusion and distrust.

Example: In Gillian Flynn's novel "Gone Girl," the narrator Amy Dunne is an unreliable first-person narrator who withholds and distorts information to suit her own purposes. Her unreliability creates a sense of suspense and tension, keeping the reader engaged and curious.

D. Unreliable Third-Person Narrators

An unreliable third-person narrator is a character who narrates the story in the third person while withholding or distorting information. This type of narrator can create a sense of detachment and objectivity, but it can also lead to confusion and distrust.

Example: In George Orwell's novel "1984," the narrator is an unreliable third-person narrator who withholds and distorts information to suit the Party's purposes. The narrator's unreliability creates a sense of unease and distrust, as the reader is unsure of what is true and what is not.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an unreliable narrator can create a complex and intriguing reading experience. By withholding or distorting information, an unreliable narrator can create suspense, mystery, and tension, keeping the reader engaged and curious. However, it can also lead to confusion, frustration, and a sense of distrust. By understanding the different types of unreliable narrators, readers can better navigate the complexities of a story and appreciate the author's craft.

Recommendations for Readers

If you're looking to read a story with an unreliable narrator, here are some recommendations:

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A classic novel with an omniscient narrator who is also unreliable.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding: A novel with a limited narrator who is also unreliable.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: A novel with an unreliable first-person narrator who withholds and distorts information.
1984 by George Orwell: A novel with an unreliable third-person narrator who withholds and distorts information.

Recommendations for Writers

If you're a writer looking to create an unreliable narrator, here are some tips:

Create a complex character: An unreliable narrator should be a complex and multi-dimensional character with their own biases, limitations, and motivations.
Withhold information: An unreliable narrator should withhold information from the reader, creating a sense of mystery and suspense.
Distort facts: An unreliable narrator should distort or manipulate facts to suit their own purposes, creating a sense of unease and distrust.
Use multiple narrative techniques: An unreliable narrator can use multiple narrative techniques, such as first-person, third-person, or omniscient narration, to create a sense of complexity and intrigue.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of the unreliable narrator and the different types of narrators that can cause the reader to suspect a lack of trustworthiness. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the unreliable narrator and provide additional insights into this complex literary device.

Q&A

Q: What is the purpose of an unreliable narrator?

A: The purpose of an unreliable narrator is to create a sense of complexity and intrigue in the story. By withholding or distorting information, an unreliable narrator can create suspense, mystery, and tension, keeping the reader engaged and curious.

Q: How do I know if a narrator is unreliable?

A: There are several signs that a narrator may be unreliable, including:

Inconsistencies in the story: If the narrator's account of events is inconsistent or contradictory, it may indicate that they are unreliable.
Biases and prejudices: If the narrator has biases or prejudices that influence their account of events, it may indicate that they are unreliable.
Limited knowledge: If the narrator has limited knowledge of the story or its characters, it may indicate that they are unreliable.
Distorted facts: If the narrator distorts or manipulates facts to suit their own purposes, it may indicate that they are unreliable.

Q: Can an unreliable narrator be a first-person narrator?

A: Yes, an unreliable narrator can be a first-person narrator. In fact, first-person narrators are often used in unreliable narrator stories because they create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.

Q: Can an unreliable narrator be a third-person narrator?

A: Yes, an unreliable narrator can be a third-person narrator. In fact, third-person narrators are often used in unreliable narrator stories because they create a sense of detachment and objectivity.

Q: How do I write an unreliable narrator?

A: Writing an unreliable narrator requires careful consideration of the narrator's character, biases, and limitations. Here are some tips:

Create a complex character: An unreliable narrator should be a complex and multi-dimensional character with their own biases, limitations, and motivations.
Withhold information: An unreliable narrator should withhold information from the reader, creating a sense of mystery and suspense.
Distort facts: An unreliable narrator should distort or manipulate facts to suit their own purposes, creating a sense of unease and distrust.
Use multiple narrative techniques: An unreliable narrator can use multiple narrative techniques, such as first-person, third-person, or omniscient narration, to create a sense of complexity and intrigue.

Q: How do I know if my narrator is unreliable?

A: To determine if your narrator is unreliable, ask yourself the following questions:

Does the narrator have biases or prejudices?
Does the narrator have limited knowledge of the story or its characters?
Does the narrator distort or manipulate facts to suit their own purposes?
Does the narrator's account of events seem inconsistent or contradictory?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your narrator may be unreliable.

Q: Can an unreliable narrator be a likable character?

A: Yes, an unreliable narrator can be a likable character. In fact, many unreliable narrators are likable characters because they are complex and multi-dimensional.

Q: Can an unreliable narrator be a trustworthy character?

A: No, an unreliable narrator cannot be a trustworthy character. By definition, an unreliable narrator is a character who withholds or distorts information, creating a sense of unease and distrust.