A short guide to the unreliable narrator
The unreliable narrator is the fibber, the trickster, the enigma draped in a riddle, served with a side of mystery. From Humbert Humbert in Lolita to Amy Dunne in Gone Girl, these elusive storytellers have been charming, beguiling, and disconcerting readers for decades. But what makes an unreliable narrator, and how can you craft one to keep your readers on their toes? Let's don our detective hats and explore.
What is an unreliable narrator?
In essence, an unreliable narrator is a character whose credibility is compromised. They might be lying, delusional, or simply misguided. They might be hiding something, or they may be just plain wrong. Whatever the case, these narrators invite us to question, doubt, and probe deeper into their tales.
Why use an unreliable narrator?
An unreliable narrator can add intrigue, depth, and dynamism to a story. They can provide unexpected twists, challenge our perceptions, and force us to think critically. They can also offer a unique perspective, one tinted by bias, distortion, or denial.
The types of unreliable narrators
Unreliable narrators come in many shapes and sizes. Here are a few archetypes to consider:
- The liar – This narrator intentionally misleads the reader, hiding the truth or spinning tales. They're a puzzle waiting to be solved, a secret itching to be uncovered.
- The madman – Whether due to mental illness, trauma, or supernatural influence, this narrator's grip on reality is tenuous at best. Their perception is distorted, their understanding skewed.
- The innocent – Often a child or a naïve adult, this narrator doesn't fully understand the world around them. Their innocence or ignorance can lead to misunderstandings or misconceptions.
Crafting an unreliable narrator
Crafting an unreliable narrator is a delicate balancing act. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Plant seeds of doubt
The key to an effective unreliable narrator is subtlety. Instead of outright stating their unreliability, drop hints and clues. Make the reader question their trust in the narrator.
Show their bias
Everyone has biases, and your narrator is no exception. Show how their prejudices, beliefs, or desires influence their interpretation of events.
Play with perception
What the narrator perceives and what the reader perceives should not always align. This dissonance can create suspense, intrigue, and narrative tension.
Keep the reader engaged
An unreliable narrator can be frustrating if not handled well. Make sure your narrator is compelling, complex, and engaging enough to keep the reader invested.
A friendly word of caution
While unreliable narrators can add layers of complexity and intrigue to your story, be wary of using them to deceive your readers unfairly. The 'big reveal' of their unreliability should feel like a satisfying twist, not a cheap trick.
To avoid this pitfall, ensure that the clues to their unreliability are present and decipherable, though not necessarily obvious. Your readers should have a fighting chance to figure out the deception on their own. For instance, if your narrator is prone to lying, show inconsistencies between their words and actions or between their account and other characters' responses. If your narrator is delusional, depict peculiar reactions from the characters around them or hint at their distorted perception of reality.
An unfair deception might look like having your reliable narrator suddenly turn out to be a pathological liar with no previous indication of their dishonesty. Such an abrupt change can feel like a betrayal to your readers, who've been led to trust this voice guiding them through the story. Therefore, it's crucial to weave signs of unreliability into your narrative fabric right from the start. This way, the twist feels like a well-earned revelation, rewarding those eagle-eyed readers who've picked up on the subtle hints without leaving the rest feeling cheated.
The final whisper
Unreliable narrators can be a thrilling way to keep your readers guessing and engaged. They offer a skewed perspective that challenges assumptions and provokes thought. Use this narrative device wisely, weave your web of deceit and let your unreliable narrator loose upon the world of your story.
