Authors and Narrators: Understanding the Differences
An exploration of the differences between authors and narrators and the various types and levels of narration in storytelling.
Types of Narrators
Unreliable Narrator / Mad Narrator: An unreliable narrator is a storyteller whose credibility is questionable. This is often seen in first-person narratives, where the narrator’s perception may be distorted.
Implied Author / Modern or Abstract Author: This is not the same as the writer or the narrator; it is an idea formed in the reader’s mind. It exists at the intersection of objectivity and subjectivity; for example, textual evidence may suggest Hesiod is religious, but one reader might see him as devout while another sees him as delusional.
The narrator is not the author, even if the narrator shares the author’s name. This is similar to a homonym, where two words look alike but have different meanings—like can (the verb) and can (the noun).
Levels of Narrators:
Internal vs. External Narrator: If the narrator is part of the story, Internal Narrator. If the narrator is outside the story, External Narrator.
Narrative Levels (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary)
Primary Narrator: Tells the main story. (e.g., John narrates a story)
Secondary Narrator: A character within John’s story tells another story. (e.g., Abby shares an event within John’s story.)
Tertiary Narrator: A character within John’s story tells yet another story. (e.g., John’s friend adds a new layer to the narration.)
Narrators shape how we experience a story, and understanding their role helps us interpret texts more effectively.