The unreliable narrator is one of the most fascinating storytelling techniques. Whether you’re writing in first-person or third, unreliable narrators keep your readers hooked into your story.
The unreliable narrator compels readers to interpret the story, looking for clues that reveal the truth beyond the character’s perspective.
The fun and thrill for the reader is in trying to fill in the missing pieces to learn what’s really going on. And this keeps them hooked into the story.
In this episode, I’m going to share four types of unreliable narrators, plus 4 tips for mastering your unreliable narrator.
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Episode at a glance:
[03:18] The Unintentionally Unreliable Narrator
This narrator’s unreliability isn’t driven by a conscious desire to deceive, but by their limited understanding of the world around them. They may lack key information or mis-remember important details. They genuinely believe what they’re saying. Their trauma, mental state, youth or fears warp their perception of reality, and this makes their version of the story feel deeply personal but not entirely trustworthy.
[05:54] The Self Deceiver
This narrator is unaware of the falseness of his or her own account. They may deny or repress certain truths, convincing themselves of a reality that’s not accurate. These narrators see the world through their own filter, one shaped by their desires, biases and need to protect their self image.
[08:16] The Liar
These narrators straight up lie and manipulate us. Whether it’s for personal gain, survival or just sheer malice, these characters control the narrative to suit their needs.
[12:40] Rewrites The Past
These narrators reshape past events to cope with guilt, shame, regret, or denial.
[14:14] Drop Subtle Clues
Small inconsistencies or contradictions should hint at the truth without immediately revealing it. These subtle clues allow the reader to slowly piece together that the narrator may not be fully trustworthy.
[15:54] Leverage Contradictions
Let the narrator claim one thing while the events or other characters suggest another. If others respond skeptically or contradict your narrator’s version of events, it signals that something is off.
[17:22] Time The Reveal Strategically
Whether your narrator’s unreliability is obvious from the start or revealed later, control the pacing of the revelation to maximize suspense.
[19:26] Lean Into Subjectivity
Show how the character’s emotions, biases, or experiences warp their understanding of reality. The most unreliable narrators genuinely believe their own version of events. The more emotionally invested a narrator is in a situation, the more their bias will affect their interpretation of the world.
Links Mentioned In This Episode
Episode 221: Writing In First Person: 4 Common Pitfalls and How To Avoid Them
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon
A Crime In The Neighborhood by Suzanne Berne
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Atonement by Ian McEwan
We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson
The Human Stain by Philip Roth
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