Narrative Perspective and Modes of Presentation

This page provides a comprehensive overview of narrative perspective types and their impact on storytelling. It begins by defining narrative perspective as the position the narrator takes within a story, which influences how much information is available to both the narrator and the reader.

The text distinguishes between the author and the narrator:

• The author is a real-life person who uses a third-person point of view and is not identical to the narrator.
• The narrator is the voice or character telling the story, using either first or third person, with a limited or unlimited perspective.

The document then delves into specific narrative perspective examples:

First-Person Narrator

A first-person narrator is characterized by:

• Being identical to a character in the story, usually the main character or a minor one.
• Using "I" and "me" to tell the story.
• Having a limited perspective based on personal experiences.
• Providing a subjective viewpoint.

Highlight: First-person narration brings the reader close to the feelings and thoughts of one character, facilitating easy identification and empathy.

Example: "I walked into the room, my heart pounding with anticipation."

Third-Person Narrator

Third-person narrators are not characters in the story and refer to characters using "she," "he," "they," or names.

Definition: A third-person narrator tells the story from outside the action and is not visible within the narrative.

The text further distinguishes between two types of third-person narrators:

1. Third-Person Omniscient Narrator (Unlimited Point of View):

   • Knows everything about characters' thoughts, feelings, and backgrounds.
   • Can enter characters' minds at will.
   • Can comment on events and character behavior.
   • Has knowledge of past and future events.

2. Third-Person Limited Narrator (Limited Point of View):

   • Presents everything through one character's perspective.
   • Has insight into only one character's thoughts and feelings.
   • Is not identical to the character.

Vocabulary: Omniscient - all-knowing; having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding.