An unreliable narrator is a narrator (or other character) who intentionally or unintentionally misleads the reader about the true events in a story. This can be done through lies, omissions, or simply by being unreliable in their perceptions. Writing an unreliable narrator is particularly tricky because you need to make your story understandable, while still being confusing, suspenseful, and mysterious. So if you are in need of help with writing an unreliable narrator, continue reading for 5 important tips that will ensure your narrator is one readers won't forget. Let's get going!
Consider the Different Types
When writing an unreliable narrator, it is super important to consider the different types of unreliable narrators and choose the type that is best suited for your story. You also need to decide how much you want the reader to know about the narrator's unreliability. Do you want the reader to be aware of the narrator's unreliability from the beginning of the story, or do you want to reveal it gradually? Considering the different types of unreliable narrators and how much you want the reader to know about the narrator's unreliability will help you create a more effective and believable story. For example, if your story is a mystery, you may want the reader to be aware of the narrator's unreliability from the beginning, so that they can try to figure out the mystery along with the narrator. However, if your story is a psychological thriller, you may want to reveal the narrator's unreliability gradually, so that the reader is caught off guard by the twist at the end. Overall different types of unreliable narrators will affect your story differently. A character who is unreliable due to their young age is very different than a character who is unreliable because of their villainous intentions. There are many different types of unreliable narrators. Some of the most common types include:
The Liar
The Villain
The Madman
The Child
The Outsider
Be Unreliable From the Start
As the name implies, unreliable narrators are...unreliable, which is why you should deceive your readers from the very beginning. The first few lines of a story are some of the most important, because they're what draw the reader in and make them want to keep reading. If the narrator is unreliable, then the reader will be immediately intrigued and want to figure out what's going on. You can do this by giving your narrator conflicting information, or by having them make statements that don't seem to make sense. Overall, there are many reasons why you should be unreliable from the start when writing an unreliable narrator. It can make the story more interesting and suspenseful, and it can keep the reader guessing.
Use Secondary Characters
Secondary characters can be super helpful when writing an unreliable narrator. They can provide additional information about the events of the story, which can help the reader to piece together the truth. Plus, secondary characters can help to create suspense and mystery. Your readers may be unsure of who to trust, and your secondary characters can keep them guessing until the end of the story. Secondary characters can also help to develop the plot and themes of your story. They can provide additional insights into the characters and events of the story, which can help the reader understand the story on a deeper level. Ultimately, utilizing secondary characters when writing an unreliable narrator is an effective way to create suspense, mystery, and depth in a story. Secondary characters can help your readers possibly identify the unreliable narrator, provide additional information about the events of the story, and develop the plot and themes of your novel.
Have Your Characters Lie
Relating to the previous point, make sure that you have your characters lie. Lying is fundamental to an unreliable narrator! Having your characters lie will keep your readers constantly questioning what is true and what is not, and this maintains their engagement in the story. Additionally, lying can be used to reveal important information about the character's motivations and personality. For example, if a character lies to protect themselves, it shows that they are selfish and untrustworthy. On the other hand, if a character lies to protect someone else, it shows that they are kind and selfless. In general, lying is an important tool for unreliable narrators and can be used to create a more engaging and suspenseful story.
Keep Your Readers in the Dark
Keeping your readers in the dark is the most important thing you can do when writing an unreliable narrator. When the reader doesn't know what's going on, they're more likely to be on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next. One way to keep your readers in the dark is by simply not telling them everything! This can be done by withholding information or having the narrator give false incomplete or incorrect information. Another way to keep them in the dark is to have them experience events from a different perspective. Keeping your readers in the dark is essential when writing an unreliable narrator, so make sure that your readers are confused or unsure about the actual events of your story.
When used effectively, unreliable narrators can be a powerful tool for storytelling. They create a sense of mystery and suspense, and they can also allow you to explore complex themes and ideas. However, it's important to use unreliable narrators carefully because they can be very difficult to pull off. If the reader doesn't trust the narrator, they're not going to be invested in the story. But the 5 tips listed above are great foundations for writing an unreliable narrator.