If you've ever finished a book and thought, “Wait, what really happened?”, then you may have come across a literary device called the unreliable narrator. It’s one of the most fascinating techniques in storytelling, adding mystery and depth to a reader’s experience.
Whether you're a budding writer or a book-lover curious about the mechanics of fiction, understanding the role of the unreliable narrator can transform the way you read and write stories.
Jump to:
- What Is an Unreliable Narrator?
- Why Do Authors Use Unreliable Narrators?
- What Makes the Narrator Unreliable?
- What Are Three Signs of an Unreliable Narrator?
- What Is an Example of an Unreliable Narrator?
- How Does an Author Create an Unreliable Narrator?
- Why Do People Like Unreliable Narrators?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Unreliable Narrators
- Study Our Novel Writing Diploma for £29
Recommended for you!
Best Sellers
What Is an Unreliable Narrator?
An unreliable narrator is a narrator whose version of events cannot be fully trusted. This doesn’t always mean they’re lying on purpose. Sometimes, they might be confused, biased, mentally unwell, or just too young and naïve to grasp what's really going on.
It’s a character who tells the story but gives the reader reason to doubt their truthfulness and accuracy. This could be due to dishonesty, lack of information, or a distorted perspective.
Why Do Authors Use Unreliable Narrators?
Unreliable narrators force you, as a reader, to work a little harder, piecing together the facts and reading between the lines. An unreliable narrator can:
- Create suspense and surprise
- Encourage readers to question what's real
- Add layers of meaning to the story
- Reveal truths slowly, keeping readers engaged
What Makes the Narrator Unreliable?
There are several reasons a narrator might not be telling the whole truth. Here are a few possibilities:
- Deliberate deception: They’re intentionally lying to the reader or other characters.
- Mental illness: They may be experiencing delusions, hallucinations, or memory loss.
- Lack of maturity: A child narrator might not fully understand adult situations.
- Bias or prejudice: Their worldview might colour everything they say.
- Limited knowledge: They simply don’t know the full picture themselves.
In each of these cases, the result is the same: the narrator gives a version of the story that’s incomplete or misleading.
What Are Three Signs of an Unreliable Narrator?
Signs of an unreliable narrator aren’t always obvious, especially if the author wants to keep the truth hidden until the end. But with practice, you'll spot these clues easily.
- Inconsistencies in the story: They may contradict themselves or change their account of events.
- Contradictions with other characters: When other characters' actions or dialogue don’t match the narrator's version, something might be off.
- Strange gaps in knowledge: If they leave out key details or seem oddly oblivious, they might not be telling the full story.
What Is an Example of an Unreliable Narrator?
One of the most famous unreliable narrators in fiction is the unnamed protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Holden Caulfield gives readers a deeply personal account of a few days in his life, but his bitterness, contradictions, and avoidance of certain topics suggest he may not be the most trustworthy guide.
Another example is the narrator of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Without spoiling the plot, both main characters offer conflicting stories, and neither can be taken entirely at face value.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is another great example of an unreliable narrator, but saying too much would spoil the twist. It’s a great case study for how unreliable narrators can completely transform the way we interpret a story.
If you’re looking for books with unreliable narrators, other examples include:
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel
- The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe
How Does an Author Create an Unreliable Narrator?
Crafting an unreliable narrator takes skill. Writers walk a fine line between misleading the reader and frustrating them. The goal is to keep you intrigued, not confused. Authors often use subtle techniques such as:
- Hints and contradictions: Small details that don’t quite add up.
- Character dialogue: Letting other characters challenge or contradict the narrator.
- Tone and voice: Using a distinctive, biased, or overly emotional tone.
- Delayed reveals: Holding back key information until a later point in the story.
Why Do People Like Unreliable Narrators?
Part of the appeal of an unreliable narrator lies in the challenge. You become an active participant in the story, analysing, questioning, and reinterpreting events. It adds an element of mystery, even in genres that aren’t traditionally mysterious.
Unreliable narrators also reflect real life: people don’t always tell the truth, and we each see the world through our own lens. These narrators feel human, flawed, complex, and fascinating.
Recommended for you!
Best SellersFrequently Asked Questions About Unreliable Narrators
Can an unreliable narrator be used in genres other than mystery or thrillers?
While unreliable narrators are popular in mystery, crime, and psychological thrillers, they appear across many genres, including literary fiction, horror, science fiction, and romance. Any time a writer wants to explore perspective or emotional depth, this technique can be used to great effect.
Is an unreliable narrator always aware that they're unreliable?
Some narrators know they're being dishonest; they lie on purpose or manipulate the truth. Others are unaware of their limitations. For example, a narrator might genuinely believe they're telling the truth, even if the reader can see their version doesn’t fully add up.
Does the reader always find out the narrator is unreliable?
Some books reveal the narrator’s unreliability by the end, while others leave it ambiguous. In some stories, the truth slowly unfolds. In others, the author may leave it open to interpretation, which can be just as satisfying for readers who enjoy a more reflective or layered reading experience.
Are unreliable narrators harder to write?
Writing an unreliable narrator requires careful planning. The author must balance what the narrator says with what’s really happening, all while leaving enough clues for the reader to question the story.
Can children’s books have unreliable narrators?
Though it’s often used more playfully, children’s literature can have unreliable narrators too. For example, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is sometimes cited as having an unreliable narrator. Greg Heffley presents himself in a certain way, but readers often see through his exaggerations and biases. It’s a lighter approach to the concept, but still effective.
Study Our Novel Writing Diploma for £29
If you’re intrigued by the idea of writing fiction with twists and unreliable voices, why not explore it further? Centre of Excellence offers a Novel Writing Diploma Course designed to help you develop your storytelling skills. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced writer looking to try something new, this course will guide you through every step of the process. And it’s currently available for just £29.
