What is an Unreliable Narrator?
If you’re a reader, chances are you’ve read a book with an unreliable narrator at some point. Unreliable narration is a technique authors use to intentionally create doubt in readers’ minds about the accuracy of the story that is told.
But what exactly is an unreliable narrator, and what are the characteristics that make them so fascinating to readers? Keep reading to learn more.
Characteristics of an Unreliable Narrator
An unreliable narrator’s credibility is in some way compromised. This unreliability can take many forms—lying, omitting key information, or having a skewed perspective. Unreliable narrators can be intentionally deceptive, or they might simply be mistaken or delusional.
One of the key characteristics of an unreliable narrator is that they typically have a reason for distorting the truth. Maybe they want to impress someone, need to cover up a crime, or have a mental illness that affects their perception of reality.
Reasons to Use an Unreliable Narrator
Authors will use unreliable narrators for a variety of reasons. And one of the most common reasons is to add tension to the story. By casting doubt on the narrator's credibility, readers are forced to question the events of the story and consider alternative possibilities.
A second reason authors use unreliable narrators is to explore themes of memory, perception, and truth. In some cases, the narrator's unreliability may reflect the human condition itself—where memories and perceptions can be fallible.
Examples of Popular Unreliable Narrators in Literature
Unreliable narrators can be some of the most memorable characters in literature. Here are three examples:
Meursault from “The Stranger” by Albert Camus: Meursault, a French Algerian, narrates the story of his life after his mother's passing. His retelling of the story is unreliable because of his emotional detachment and inability to express his feelings. Meursault’s narration lacks remorse and he has a nonchalant attitude toward significant events.
Esther Greenwood from “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath: She is a young woman who struggles with mental illness and an identity crisis. Esther’s narration is unreliable because her perception of the world is distorted by her mental state. She experiences intense mood swings and hallucinations, which may alter her perception of events. Her unreliable narration also reflects the societal constraints placed on women during the period the book is set in.
Nick Carraway from “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Nick is the narrator of the story, but his reliability is called into question due to his personal biases and prejudices. He is an outsider who looks in on the lives of the wealthy and privileged, and his perceptions of them might not be entirely accurate.