What is an Unreliable Narrator? Definition, Types & Examples

Stories rely on narrators to guide readers through the plot, reveal characters’ motives, and shape the narrative.

But what happens when you can’t fully trust the narrator? That’s where the concept of the unreliable narrator comes in – a literary technique that adds intrigue, complexity, and often a little deception to storytelling. It adds a lot of tension to the story, because who can the reader trust for the truthful account of events?

Let’s explore what an unreliable narrator is, their different types and some famous examples that demonstrate their power in literature.

What is an Unreliable Narrator?

The term ‘unreliable narrator’ was first introduced by literary critic Wayne C. Booth in his 1961 book The Rhetoric of Fiction. Booth described an unreliable narrator as one whose version of the story cannot be taken at face value. 

Essentially, the credibility of an unreliable narrator is deeply compromised. Usually told in first-person, the narrator doesn’t tell the story with full transparency but might misrepresent events, omit key details, or even lie to the audience. This literary device forces readers to question the narrative and try to piece together the truth themselves.

Unreliable narrators are often used to add mystery, tension, or a twist to the story and are unsurprisingly often used in crime or thriller novels. Their unreliability stems from a variety of reasons, including mental instability, personal biases, or a deliberate intent to deceive. Whatever the cause, they challenge readers to read between the lines and question the narrator’s version of events.

Why Do Authors Use Unreliable Narrators?

Unreliable narrators serve many purposes in storytelling:

1. Add Depth to Characters: By revealing the narrator’s flaws, biases, or hidden agendas, authors create multi-dimensional characters that feel more human.

2. Create Suspense: Readers keep guessing what’s true and what isn’t, adding an element of mystery to the narrative.

3. Challenge Readers: An unreliable narrator invites readers to actively engage with the story, encouraging them to interpret events and draw their own conclusions.

4. Deliver Shocking Twists: Some unreliable narrators intentionally mislead readers, leading to revelations or twists that completely reframe the story.

Types of Unreliable Narrators

1. The Madman

The madman’s unreliability stems from their unstable mental state. Whether through hallucinations, paranoia, or a break from reality, their perception of events is distorted, leaving readers questioning what’s real and what isn’t. This type of narrator often creates an unsettling atmosphere and adds psychological depth to the story, immersing readers in their fractured narration.

2. The Liar

The liar is a narrator who intentionally deceives the audience. Their motivations for lying can range from self-preservation to manipulation, and their version of events is specifically designed to mislead! Readers are left to untangle the truth from the narrator’s fabrications, adding tension and mystery to the narrative.

3. The Picaro

The picaro is a narrator who exaggerates or embellishes events, often for comedic or dramatic effect. While they may not lie outright, their storytelling is made untrustworthy by their own sense of grandeur or mischief. Although this type of storyteller adds an element of humour or charm to the story, it still leaves readers questioning the accuracy of their account.

4. The Naif

The naif is a narrator who is unreliable due to their innocence, lack of knowledge, or limited understanding of the world. Their perspective is often skewed because they are unable to fully grasp the complexity of the events around them. Sometimes their recollections create moments of dramatic irony, as readers see the truths that the narrator cannot.

5. The Clown

The clown is a narrator who doesn’t take the story – or themselves – seriously. Their playful or sarcastic tone makes it clear that their version of events may not be entirely accurate. It usually entertains readers while also challenging them to look beyond the narrator’s humour for the underlying truths.

Ways to Create an Unreliable Narrator

Whether you want to create a certain type or feel inspired by an unreliable narrator idea, it’s time to write it! Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start With Trust, Then Break It

Begin with a narrator who seems reliable, then gradually introduce inconsistencies or contradictions. This shift creates tension and keeps readers intrigued as they question the narrative.

 2. Use Contradictions

Let the narrator’s account of events conflict with established facts or with other characters’ perspectives. These contradictions encourage readers to dig deeper into the truth.

 3. Play With Tone and Voice

An unreliable narrator’s tone and style should reflect their unreliability. For instance, a biased narrator might use overly emotional language, while a mentally unstable one might have disjointed or fragmented thoughts.

 4. Withhold Information

Create ambiguity by leaving out key details or presenting information selectively. This forces readers to piece together what’s missing, adding intrigue to the story.

Examples of Unreliable Narrators in Literature

Unreliable narrators have been used effectively in many famous works of literature. Here are a few standout examples:

1. Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

Grace Marks, the protagonist and narrator of Alias Grace, tells her story as a convicted murderess recounting her past to a psychiatrist. Her narrative is fragmented, coloured by memory gaps, and leaves readers questioning whether she is guilty or misunderstood. Atwood masterfully uses Grace’s unreliability to explore themes of truth, perception, and power.

2. The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

The unnamed narrator insists on their sanity while recounting the murder they committed. However, their erratic tone and obsessive behaviour create a narrative that’s deeply unreliable, reflecting their descent into madness.

3. Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

The narrator of Fight Club presents their version of events with confidence, but as the story unfolds, readers realise their perception of reality is entirely skewed, leading to a shocking twist that redefines the narrative.

4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Nick Carraway narrates the events of The Great Gatsby, but his biases and selective storytelling make readers question the full truth. His admiration for Gatsby and disdain for others in the story create a filtered lens through which the entire narrative is told.

Closing the Book on Unreliable Narrators

Whether they’re deceptive, naive, or fragmented, unreliable narrators force us to confront the subjectivity of perspective in realising just how unreliable they are!

They remind us that every story has multiple sides, and the truth is often more complex than it seems. 

So consider adding an unreliable narrator to your story or next time you’re reading from a character’s first-person remember to question their ‘truth’!