We all have moments of misinterpretation and flawed memory

We have all experienced instances where our memory and perception have failed us, leading us to recall incorrect details, such as the color of someone's clothing or even their identity. This phenomenon is not limited to real-life situations; it also appears in literature through unreliable narrators.

An unreliable narrator is a narrator whose credibility is called into question

An unreliable narrator is a storyteller whose version of events may not be entirely truthful, causing readers to approach their account with skepticism. However, this ambiguity adds depth and intrigue to a story, as readers must decipher the truth for themselves, if it is even possible to do so.

What is an Unreliable Narrator?

An unreliable narrator is a storyteller whose credibility is questionable. They may present a skewed version of events, making it difficult for readers to determine what is true and what is not.

Characteristics of an Unreliable Narrator

There are several factors that can contribute to a narrator being unreliable. These include:

• A declining mental state
• Immaturity leading to a lack of accurate recollection
• Intentional deception through a false narrative
• Influence of mind-altering substances, such as drugs or alcohol
• Exaggeration in their storytelling
• Lying to themselves and others

The human mind is complex and can be unreliable, but it can also add depth to a story.

Reliable vs. Unreliable Narrator

In contrast to an unreliable narrator, a reliable narrator presents an accurate and unbiased account of events. They are not influenced by factors that may make a narrator unreliable.

Distinguishing between a reliable and an unreliable narrator is not always easy. However, unreliable narrators may:

• Contradict previous statements or have inconsistencies in their retelling of events
• Be under the influence of substances
• Recall information that contradicts what readers already know or expect to know about the story's world

The line between a reliable and an unreliable narrator can be blurry, as first-person narrators include their own subjective experiences, which may affect the accuracy of their storytelling.

In general, first-person narration aims to provide an accurate account of events. However, unreliable narration takes it to the extreme, with the narrator's unreliability becoming evident through subtle hints.

For instance, in the film Fight Club (1999), the narrator's deteriorating mental state is portrayed as the story progresses, revealing him as an unreliable narrator.

The Purpose and Impact of an Unreliable Narrator

American literary critic Wayne C. Booth (1921-2005) first coined the term "unreliable narrator" in his work, The Rhetoric of Fiction (1961). In this text, he discusses different ways of reading and writing literary texts and argues that a work of fiction does not have to depict reality or be entirely truthful. In fact, straying from the truth can make a story more engaging.

The purpose of an unreliable narrator is to keep readers in the dark or intentionally mislead them. This can have various effects, such as making readers question the given narrative and come up with their own interpretation of the story's progression and the "truth" of events.

Using an unreliable narrator adds intrigue and complexity to a story, deviating from the conventional narrative style that uses a reliable narrator. When there are multiple possible truths within a story, it becomes more enticing for readers to decipher the real events.

Which version of events is the real truth? The answer is up to the readers to decide.

The Five Types of Unreliable Narrator

Unreliable narrators come in various forms, each with their own set of characteristics that make their storytelling questionable. These types of narrators often exhibit signs of mental instability, naivety, drug and alcohol influence, exaggeration, and dishonesty, leading readers to question the accuracy of their accounts. In 1981, William Riggan categorized unreliable narrators into five distinct types: picaros, madmen, naifs, clowns, and liars. These include:

The Picaro

The picaro is known for their tendency to exaggerate events and details in their storytelling. An excellent example of a picaro can be found in Miguel de Cervantes' novel, The Ingenious Gentleman Sir Quixote of La Mancha (1605), where the protagonist, Don Quixote, is a middle-aged man who becomes obsessed with being a knight.

Unveiling the Unreliable Narrator: The Art of Deception in Storytelling

In the world of literature, the unreliable narrator stands as a complex and intriguing figure. By manipulating the truth, this type of narrator challenges the reader's perception and forces us to question what is real and what is fabricated. They play with the boundaries of storytelling and keep us guessing until the very end.

One of the most well-known unreliable narrators is Tristam Shandy, the main character in Laurence Sterne's The Life and Opinions of Tristam Shandy, Gentleman (1759-67). Through digressions, sarcasm, and insults, Tristam weaves a web of ambiguity, leaving the reader to untangle fact from fiction.

Examples of Unreliable Narrators

• We Need to Talk About Kevin (2003) by Lionel Shriver

Told from the perspective of Eva Khatchadourian, the mother of a high school student who commits a mass shooting, this novel showcases the unreliable narrator in all its complexity. Eva's retelling of events may be clouded by her bias as a mother or her own trauma from the incident, making her version of events unreliable.

• Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Bronte

Nelly Dean and Mr. Lockwood both serve as narrators in this classic novel. Nelly's tendency to exaggerate events makes her a typical "picaro" type of unreliable narrator, while Mr. Lockwood's biased perception, influenced by Nelly's retelling, casts him as an unintentionally unreliable "naif" type of narrator.

Crafting Your Own Unreliable Narrator

When creating an unreliable narrator, it is essential to establish why they are unreliable. For instance, if they have a tendency to lie, their lies must be convincing and difficult to detect. Giving the narrator intelligence or depth can further enhance their deception.

If the narrator's unreliability stems from mental instability, research and incorporate traits and behaviors associated with that condition into their storytelling.

In Conclusion

Unreliable narrators come in various forms, each with a unique set of characteristics that blur the lines between fact and fiction. Whether it be a liar, picaro, naif, or another type, their deceptive nature adds depth and intrigue to the stories we read.

The Power of an Unreliable Narrator in Literature

In A Clockwork Orange, the character of Alex is a prime example of an unreliable narrator whose psychopathy heavily influences his unreliability.

Unreliable narrators are a literary technique used to add depth and complexity to a story. Their biased retellings force readers to question the truth of their words and challenge their assumptions about storytelling. This is evident in the character of Don Quixote, whose embellishments reflect his chivalrous and kind nature.

Furthermore, an unreliable narrator can also be portrayed as naive by contrasting their perspective with those of other characters. While their actions may not be excused, it highlights their lack of knowledge or understanding, adding another layer to the character's complexity.

When utilizing an unreliable narrator, it is crucial to gradually reveal the truth to keep readers engaged and to add depth to the story. Additionally, giving the narrator redeeming qualities, whether it be to understand their motives or hope for their character growth, can further keep readers invested in the narrative.

The Legacy of Unreliable Narrators in Literature

First coined by Wayne C. Booth (1921-2005), an American literary critic, in his influential book The Rhetoric of Fiction (1961), the term "unreliable narrator" has had a lasting impact on storytelling and readers alike. Contrary to a reliable narrator, who presents an objective and accurate account of events, an unreliable narrator adds intrigue and complexity to the narrative by keeping readers on their toes, questioning the reliability of their words.

The Characteristics and Types of Unreliable Narrators

An unreliable narrator is a character who tells the story in a biased or inaccurate manner, often with the intention of deceiving readers. While this can add depth to a story, it is crucial for readers to be aware of the narrator's unreliability to fully understand the events and themes of the narrative.

There are several characteristics that can make a narrator unreliable, including:

• Mental instability or deteriorating mental state
• Naivety or lack of maturity
• Deception through exaggeration or lying
• Influence of drugs or alcohol

These traits can cause the narrator to distort or withhold information, resulting in an inaccurate and biased retelling of events.

There are five primary types of unreliable narrators, as identified by William Riggan in his book Pícaros, Madmen, Naïfs, and Clowns: The Unreliable First-person Narrator (1981):

• The madman – a narrator with a deteriorating mental state who may not accurately perceive or recall events.
• The naif – a narrator who lacks experience or understanding, leading to a distorted view of events.
• The picaro – a deceitful and cunning narrator who manipulates the story for personal gain.
• The liar – a narrator who intentionally deceives readers through false information.
• The clown – a narrator who uses humor and exaggeration to mask their unreliability.

The purpose of an unreliable narrator can vary, but it is often to withhold information or manipulate readers' perceptions. This adds intrigue and surprise to the story, as readers are kept in the dark and forced to question the reliability of the narrator.

So, how can readers determine if a narrator is reliable or unreliable? A key indicator is how their retelling of events aligns with what is known or expected in the story's world. A reliable narrator's account will match the known facts and perspectives of other characters, while an unreliable narrator's account may contradict or differ from the established truths.

In conclusion, unreliable narrators add complexity and intrigue to literature. However, it is essential for readers to be aware of their unreliability in order to fully comprehend the narrative. By understanding the characteristics and types of unreliable narrators, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of storytelling.