When telling stories, whether real or fictional, it is not only important what the world that is described is like and the events that occur in it. The way in which the figure of the narrator is used is also crucial, even when it seems that he is not part of the narrative itself.
Every story needs a voice, and that voice comes from the narrator. The narrator is the one telling the story, guiding the reader through events, emotions, and thoughts. Choosing the right type of narrator is crucial because it shapes how the audience perceives the plot and characters. Let’s explore the six main types of narrators and how they are used in storytelling.
In this article, we will see what they are the main types of narrators in the different works of literature that explain stories, and how choosing one or the other has an effect on the psychological impact that these works cause.
The different types of narrators, and their characteristics
Human beings are characterized, among other things, by creating stories and narratives. These stories go far beyond the world of leisure, as one might think if, keeping in mind the concept of what literature is, we only focused on the best-selling novels. They offer a way of interpreting reality.
Therefore, stopping to learn more about the main types of narrator is not frivolous, since this choice is part of the creative process of explaining something. Each one of them gives a different whole to the story. Let’s see a classification of these categories when it comes to narrating, going from first-person narrators to second-person narrators and, finally, reaching third-person narrators.
1. First person narrator
This type of narrator is very common, and serves to give a realistic and experiential tone to the story being told. Be supposed to the person who tells us the story was there when everything happened so we assume that the universe in which it occurs is the same one in which the narrator is in the present, so that it is subject to approximately the same rules.
Furthermore, the fact that everything is narrated in first person allows us to have more information about this character, who, although he does not have to be the protagonist, does usually have importance in the story, even if it is to help build the rest of the story. Characters through the interaction of the first with the second, seeing how their personalities affect each other.
Pros:
Creates intimacy and emotional depth
Allows readers to see the world through the character’s eyes
Cons:
Limited to the narrator’s knowledge and perspective
Can be biased or unreliable
Example:
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
In turn, this category can be divided into other types of narrators. They are the following.
1.1. Witness narrator
In these cases, the character who plays the role of narrator does not act as the protagonist, but rather as a person close to the protagonist and who attends the main events that articulate the story.
He is a type of narrator very useful when you want to show the personality of the protagonist, as well as his personal evolution and his narrative arc, in a subtle way, suggesting more than describing in a direct way, since there is no access to the real thoughts of that character. However, it is also possible to adopt a more impersonal style, as if everything were made up of reports.
Examples of this type of narrator are John Watson in the Sherlock Holmes novels or Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby.
1.2. Protagonist narrator
This is probably the most popular and used type of first-person narrator, as it is also one of the most intuitive and simple: the story is explained from the point of view of the person who must go through the main plot arc of the story. , just as we would do in real life if we were explaining something that has happened to us
Now, when using this resource, it is possible to use many nuances. For example, narrating by talking about what is happening in the present allows the audience to be immersed in the story.
1.3. Narrator in flow of thoughts
This is a very rarely used type of narrator, since it tries to literally describe someone’s thoughts, as they emerge into consciousness Consequently, everything is explained in real time, with the present being the reference moment.
The different narrators of The noise and the furyby William Faulkner, are an example of this.
2. Second person narrator
This type of narrator is characterized by explaining a story to a specific person. It can be presented in epistolary format, as if everything were composed of letters addressed to a recipient, or as if it were a real dialogue in which basically one person speaks and the other listens, sometimes pretending to answer questions asked by the listener.
Common in:
Choose-your-own-adventure books
Experimental fiction
Marketing and instructional writing
Example:
Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney
3. Third person narrator
Finally, in the third person narrator, the one who explains the story to us is characterized by not participating at all, or participating as little as possible, in the course of history It can be divided into two categories.
Advantages:
Provides a broad view of the story
Offers insight into multiple characters
Challenges:
Can feel distant
Harder to maintain suspense
Example:
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Third-Person Limited Narrator
This narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character, creating a balance between intimacy and scope.
Example:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Third-Person Objective Narrator
This narrator presents the story without revealing any thoughts or emotions, like a camera recording events.
Used in:
Journalistic writing
Detective novels
Example:
Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway
Unreliable Narrator
An unreliable narrator distorts the truth, intentionally or unintentionally, creating suspense and twists.
Types:
Deliberately deceptive
Mentally unstable
Naive or mistaken
Example:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
How to Choose the Right Narrator for Your Story
The choice of narrator affects the storytelling experience. Consider your genre, themes, and the level of reader immersion you want to create.
The type of narrator you choose shapes the reader’s experience and interpretation of the story. Experimenting with different narrators can bring your storytelling to life in unique ways.
FAQs about the 6 Types of Narrators
1. What is the most common type of narrator in literature?
The third-person limited narrator is one of the most commonly used in modern literature.
2. Can a story have multiple narrators?
Yes, multiple narrators can offer different perspectives and add depth to the story.
3. What is an epistolary narrator?
An epistolary narrator tells the story through letters, diary entries, or documents.
4. How does narration affect reader engagement?
The narrator’s style can determine how immersive or distant the story feels for the reader.
5. Can a narrator change throughout a story?
Yes, some books switch narrators to provide varied viewpoints and deepen the narrative.
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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team at PsychologyFor to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to evidence-based research. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
