An unreliable narrator involves telling a story that presents biased, misleading, or inaccurate information. Whether using first-person or third-person limited POV, this technique challenges the reader’s trust in the narrator’s account of events, allowing for more complexity and depth in the storytelling. Unreliable narrators may seem confusing to some readers, but using them serves a specific narrative purpose; it can suspense, create ambiguity, or explore themes of identity and perception. Unreliable narratives can also lead to unexpected plot twists.

What are the characteristics of an unreliable narrator?

An unreliable narrator is subjective, often filtering events through their own beliefs, emotions, and perceptions. They present events in a way that favors their perspective or aligns with their personal agenda. Think about how a six-year-old tells a story about eating half-dozen donuts in ten minutes. “I’m the good guy here. You are always on a diet, so I saved you from getting fat.” (not a good explanation, but I'm not six any more)

They lack complete knowledge of the story’s events or the motivations of other characters, especially in first person POV. This limited awareness leads to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of situations.

Their personal biases can color their descriptions of characters and events. They might exaggerate or downplay certain aspects to support their views or prejudices.

Some unreliable narrators deceive themselves, either intentionally or subconsciously, distorting their perception of reality. In some cases, these narrators might be innocent or naïve, not fully grasping the implications of their own actions or the events they describe. They may not intentionally lie but could inadvertently manipulate events through selective memory or recollection.

Examples of Unreliable Narrators in Literature:

Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: Holden’s emotional and mental struggles lead him to present a skewed version of events and people, making it challenging for readers to determine the true nature of the story.

Chief Bromden in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey; Chief Bromden, a patient in a mental institution, sees and interprets events in a way that reflects his mental state, which impacts the reader’s understanding of the story.

Briony Tallis in “Atonement” by Ian McEwan; Briony’s guilt and desire for atonement lead her to present a false version of events, shaping the course of the narrative and impacting the lives of the characters involved.

Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis; the narrator’s psychopathic tendencies and detachment from reality call into question the accuracy of the violent and disturbing events he describes.Using an unreliable narrator can add depth and complexity to a story, leading readers to question the truth and make their interpretations. It allows authors to explore themes of memory, perception, and the fallibility of human understanding. However, it’s essential to handle this technique skillfully to avoid confusing or frustrating the reader without purpose.

​Unreliable Narrator

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