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01. Narrator and point of view

The document discusses different types of narrators in storytelling, including first person, third person, and omniscient narrators, each with distinct perspectives and limitations. It also explains character types, distinguishing between protagonists, antagonists, round characters, and flat characters, emphasizing the importance of character development. Key questions are posed to analyze the narrator's role, perspective, and reliability in the narrative.

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20 views

01. Narrator and point of view

The document discusses different types of narrators in storytelling, including first person, third person, and omniscient narrators, each with distinct perspectives and limitations. It also explains character types, distinguishing between protagonists, antagonists, round characters, and flat characters, emphasizing the importance of character development. Key questions are posed to analyze the narrator's role, perspective, and reliability in the narrative.

Uploaded by

zizphod9
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Narrator/ Point of View

The narrator is the person “telling” the story (not to be confused with the author of the story). The narrator
controls what the reader knows and how much information is given about the characters and the situations.
There are many different kinds of narrators, we will just look at the three most basic ones.

First person Narrator

The first person narrator uses the pronouns “I" or "we." Often the narrator is the protagonist, but he
does not have to be the main character. In this point of view the reader only knows the thoughts of the
narrator as he relates the story. The narrator can only be in one place at a time and can only describe
things from one angle.

Third person Narrator

The third person narrator tells the story of another character, although they may be involved in the story they
are not telling their own story but someone else’s. This narrator uses pronouns, "he," "she," or "they." They
usually report the story as they see it. This narrator is often called the "fly on the wall" point of view,
because the only insight the reader has into a character is by what he says, by what he does, and by
what others say to him.

The Omniscient Narrator

The omniscient narrator tells the story from outside (an external narrator) the story. He is all knowledgeable in
that he can see many things at the same time, be in different places at the same time and have access to what
the characters think and feel (he does not have to be told this – he just knows).

This narrator will be in the 3rd person and uses pronouns "he" "she" or "they." This point of view gives the
reader insight into all of the main characters.

When looking at the narrator of a story it is important to ask a number of questions:

1. What is the narrator’s role in the story?

A main character in the story


A minor character in he story
A second-hand narrator — one who has heard the story from someone else
A character who is not mentioned in the story and whose relationship to the characters is
unknown.

2. Does he/she view events from the innocent eyes of a child or from the more sophisticated eyes of a
young adult? Age, gender, culture and education can all help the reader understand the meaning
behind the story.

3. Can we trust the narrator?


Will the narrator be completely objective?
Will the narrator be totally honest and reliable, or will
he/she forget some things and misunderstand some
others?
Will the narrator have any bad qualities (e.g., prejudice,
self-righteousness)?
CHARACTERS
The people involved in a story are called characters. Characterisation (helping the reader to
understand the characters) can be developed through descriptions of appearance, action, dialogue and
thought.

Main characters are known as PROTAGONISTS. Characters who


oppose them (usually the villain) are called ANTAGONISTS.

Round Characters

If the writer has done a good job, main characters should be 'round' or 'three-dimensional'. This means
that they are fully developed, with strengths and weaknesses, hopes and fears. Their behaviour reflects
a complex combination of personality traits, emotions and attitudes. They should also develop as a
character throughout the story as they resolve the conflicts that they face.

Flat Characters

Supporting characters, in contrast, are usually 'flat' or 'two-dimensional', with perhaps only one or two
aspects of their personality shown. Flat characters are minor characters who do not undergo change or
growth in the course of a story. This does not mean that they are unimportant – many round
characters develop as a result of the flat characters in the story.

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