Narrative Perspective

What is a first-person narrator?

• Uses the pronouns "I" or "we".

• Is a character who is part of the story.

• Tells the events from a personal perspective.

• Has limited knowledge.

What is a first-person witness narrator?

• Is part of the story but not the main character.

• Observes and reports what happens.

• Only knows what he/she experiences, sees or hears.

• Cannot directly access other characters' thoughts and feelings.

What is the effect of a first-person witness narrator?

• Creates a personal and subjective impression.

• Limits the reader to one perspective.

• Other characters may remain mysterious.

• Can create suspense and uncertainty.

What is a first-person narrator as a protagonist?

• Is the main character of the story.

• Tells his/her own story using "I".

• Provides insight into his/her own thoughts, feelings and experiences.

• Has limited knowledge of other characters.

What is the effect of a first-person protagonist narrator?

• Creates closeness and emotional involvement.

• Makes it easier to identify with the protagonist.

• Makes the story feel personal and subjective.

• The reader only knows one side of the story.

What is a third-person narrator?

• Uses the pronouns "he", "she" or "they".

• Is not a character in the story.

• Tells the events from an outside perspective.

What is a neutral omniscient narrator?

• Knows everything about all characters.

• Has access to everyone's thoughts, feelings and motives.

• Can explain past events and future developments.

• Knows more than any individual character.

What is the effect of a neutral omniscient narrator?

• Gives the reader a complete overview.

• Helps understand different characters and their motivations.

• Can create dramatic irony.

• Reveals connections that characters may not recognize.

What is a selective omniscient narrator?

• Has access to the thoughts and feelings of several selected characters.

• Switches between different characters' viewpoints.

• Does not know everything about everyone.

What is the effect of a selective omniscient narrator?

• Shows different perspectives.

• Allows the reader to compare characters.

• Can create sympathy for several characters.

• Reveals misunderstandings and conflicts.

What is an observer narrator?

• Only describes what can be seen or heard.

• Has no access to characters' thoughts and feelings.

• Reports actions, dialogue and external behaviour.

• The reader must interpret the characters' emotions independently.

What is the effect of an observer narrator?

• Creates emotional distance.

• Makes the reader interpret the characters' behaviour.

• Leaves room for different interpretations.

• Can create suspense and uncertainty.