5 Techniques for Crafting Fiction: Unreliable Narrator

Contents

1. What is an unreliable narrator?
2. How to create an unreliable narrator
3. Use unreliable narrator to add suspense
4. Techniques for writing an unreliable narrator
5. Examples of unreliable narrators in fiction

Weaving a compelling story is much like crafting a spider's web—delicate, intricate, and incredibly powerful when done right. One technique that can add an extra layer of complexity to your narrative is the use of an unreliable narrator. Let's dive into what this term means and how it can transform your storytelling.

What is an unreliable narrator?

An unreliable narrator, simply put, is a storyteller whose credibility has serious cracks. They might not be lying intentionally—maybe they're just not seeing things clearly. Unreliable narrators can be fascinating to play with because they add an element of unpredictability and suspense to the narrative.

Categories of Unreliable Narrators

Generally, unreliable narrators fall into two main categories:

• Deliberately deceptive: These narrators know they're not telling the truth. They might have personal motives for distorting the truth or concealing information.
• Unintentionally misleading: This type of unreliable narrator doesn't know they're not reliable. They might have limited knowledge, memory issues, or personal biases that skew their narration.

Understanding these categories can help you determine what type of unreliable narrator you want to create.

Why Use an Unreliable Narrator?

The use of an unreliable narrator can serve various purposes:

1. Creates suspense: When readers can't fully trust the narrator, it adds an element of suspense and unpredictability to the story.
2. Complex characters: Unreliable narrators are often complex, multi-dimensional characters that can engage readers on a deeper level.
3. Surprises and twists: With an unreliable narrator, you have a built-in mechanism for plot twists and surprises.

Now that you know what an unreliable narrator is and why you might want to use one, let's explore how you can craft an unreliable narrator in your fiction.

How to create an unreliable narrator

Creating an unreliable narrator isn't about simply telling lies—it's about crafting a character with a unique perspective that shapes the narrative. Let's break down the steps to make this process easier for you.

Step 1: Define Their Motivation

First, establish what motivates your narrator to be unreliable. Do they intentionally manipulate the truth, or are they unwittingly misleading? Knowing their motivation will guide the development of their character and narrative.

Step 2: Develop Their Voice

Once you've pinned down their motivation, focus on developing a distinct voice for your unreliable narrator. Their voice should reflect their unique perspective and subtly hint at their unreliability.

Step 3: Show Don't Tell

Instead of blatantly announcing that your narrator is unreliable, show it through their actions and narrative. This could be in the form of inconsistencies in their story, selective memory, or bias in their observations.

Step 4: Keep the Reader Guessing

A successful unreliable narrator keeps readers on their toes. Balance what the reader knows and what they're uncertain about. Build suspense by revealing the narrator's unreliability slowly and strategically throughout the story.

Remember, the key to creating an effective unreliable narrator is subtlety. While it's a powerful tool, it requires a careful balance. Too much unreliability can frustrate readers, while too little can make it unnoticeable. Getting it just right is the art of crafting an unreliable narrator.

Use unreliable narrator to add suspense

Unreliable narrators are a writer's secret weapon when it comes to adding suspense to a story. Their uncertain reliability keeps readers on edge, as they try to unravel the truth from the twisted tale. Let's explore how to do this effectively.

Inject Uncertainty

Uncertainty is the heart of suspense. An unreliable narrator naturally creates uncertainty because of their distorted perspective. Use this to your advantage — keep readers guessing about the reality behind the narrator's words.

Play with Perception

Unreliable narrators allow writers to play with perception. The same event can be interpreted differently by the narrator and other characters, creating tension and suspense. This discrepancy can raise questions in the reader's mind about who to trust.

Delay Information

A great trick to add suspense is to delay revealing crucial information. The unreliable narrator can withhold details or give misleading information, building suspense as the reader waits for the truth to unfold.

Twist the Ending

Nothing adds suspense like a good plot twist. An unreliable narrator is the perfect tool for this. They can lead readers in one direction, only to reveal an unexpected truth in the end.

Remember, the suspense comes from the reader's awareness of the narrator's unreliability. Mastering the art of the unreliable narrator is a surefire way to keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

Techniques for writing an unreliable narrator

Just like a chef takes care with each ingredient, crafting an unreliable narrator requires attention to detail. Here are some key techniques to keep in mind while creating your own unreliable narrator.

Deception is Key

Deception is the bread and butter of every unreliable narrator. They can lie to the reader, other characters, or even themselves. The lies can range from little white lies to major distortions of reality. Remember, the deception should serve the story, not confuse the reader.

Use First-Person POV

First-person point of view is a powerful tool for writing an unreliable narrator. It allows the narrator to share their thoughts and feelings directly with the reader, making their distortions and deceptions even more impactful.

Character Flaws and Bias

Unreliable narrators are often deeply flawed, and these flaws color their narration. Be it a bias, a mental health issue, or a personal vendetta, these characteristics can distort their perception and thus, their narration.

Subtle Clues

Avoid revealing the unreliability of the narrator outright. Instead, drop subtle clues throughout the story. These can be contradictions in the narrator's stories, discrepancies between their actions and words, or hints from other characters.

Remember, writing an unreliable narrator is like preparing a mystery dish — too much spice and the flavor is spoiled, too little and it's bland. Strike the right balance and you'll create a character that keeps readers guessing till the end.

Examples of unreliable narrators in fiction

Some of the most captivating stories have unreliable narrators at the helm. Let's explore a few examples to better understand how this technique can elevate a narrative.

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

The novel's protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is a classic example of an unreliable narrator. His cynicism and disdain for the 'phoniness' of people around him often skew his understanding of events and people, leading to an intriguing narrative.

"Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

In this modern thriller, both Nick and Amy Dunne serve as unreliable narrators. Their conflicting accounts of their life together create a suspenseful and dramatic narrative, showcasing how unreliable narration can add depth and complexity to a story.

"Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk

The unnamed narrator of Fight Club is unreliable due to his mental health struggles. His distorted reality creates a gripping, unpredictable narrative that shocks and surprises readers.

"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Rachel, the main character, is an unreliable narrator due to her alcoholism. Her blackouts and confused memories keep readers on the edge of their seats, guessing what's real and what's a figment of her imagination.

These examples should give you a sense of how the unreliable narrator technique can create suspense, add depth, and keep readers engaged. Now, it's your turn to create an unforgettable unreliable narrator!

If you enjoyed exploring different techniques for crafting fiction, you might also be interested in telling stories through photography. Check out Eleonora Sabet's workshop, 'Authentic Storytelling: Creating a Personal Photo Series.' In this workshop, you'll learn how to develop a unique narrative by creating a personal photo series that tells a story. Expand your storytelling skills and discover new ways to express your creativity.