Why do authors use unreliable narrators?

Authors use unreliable narrators as a literary device to create intrigue and engage readers in a deeper understanding of the story. Unreliable narrators are characters who exhibit biases, distortions, or limited knowledge in their narration of the events. This technique allows authors to explore themes of perception, reality, and the fallibility of human memory or perspective. By presenting a narrator with questionable credibility, authors challenge readers to scrutinize the narrative, decipher truth from deception, and actively participate in constructing the meaning of the story. Unreliable narrators can also provide opportunities for social commentary, psychological exploration, or to create suspense and surprise twists in the plot. Ultimately, the use of unreliable narrators adds complexity and depth to storytelling, making it a powerful tool in the hands of skilled authors.

This mind map was published on 4 December 2023 and has been viewed 49 times.