Narrator

A narrator is the voice that tells the story. They are the person (or entity) who recounts the events of a narrative, be it a novel, short story, poem, film, play, or other form of storytelling. The narrator's perspective, personality, and biases shape how the audience perceives the narrative. They may be a character within the story (first-person or third-person limited) or an external observer (third-person omniscient). The reliability of a narrator is a critical aspect of their role. A reliable narrator presents a credible and trustworthy account, while an unreliable narrator may deliberately mislead or be unaware of crucial information, creating suspense and ambiguity. Different types of narrators create different effects, ranging from intimate connection to detached observation. The role often involves character portrayal and voice-over work in different media.

Narrator meaning with examples

• In *Pride and Prejudice*, the narrator offers a witty, observant, and often ironic perspective on the Bennets and their social circle. This third-person narrator allows readers to understand the characters' thoughts and motivations, though with a hint of the narrator's own biases. The narrator’s commentary on societal expectations adds depth to the story.
• The first-person narrator in *The Great Gatsby*, Nick Carraway, shapes the reader's understanding of Gatsby and the Roaring Twenties. Nick’s initial impressions are coloured by his own background, slowly the narrator reveals more about Gatsby, and the reader’s perspective shifts as the story unfolds with a lot of nuance.
• The narrator in *Fight Club* is unreliable, making the audience question his perceptions and the events unfolding. This unreliability creates a sense of paranoia and challenges the reader’s assumptions, leading to plot twists. The reader must consider the narrator's mental state when evaluating what's actually happening in the story.
• A documentary filmmaker acts as the narrator, providing context, background information, and insights into the subjects of the film. They guide the audience through the material, shaping their understanding through commentary, interviews, and visual storytelling. The role of a documentary narrator differs greatly from fiction ones.