Final answer:
The narrator affects the reader's understanding by revealing character complexities, providing historical context, sharing characters' thoughts and feelings, and detailing the setting, which collectively deepen the reader's engagement with the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
The narrator's role is crucial in shaping a reader's interpretation and understanding of a story. When the narrator describes the difference in characters' thoughts and actions, it allows the reader to grasp the complexity of the characters and the dynamics between them. If the narrator offers historical context, it can help the reader situate the story within a particular time period or societal framework, adding depth to the narrative. In cases where the narrator shares what a character, like Buck, is thinking and feeling, this insight can create a stronger emotional connection between the reader and the characters. Furthermore, when a narrator provides specific details about the setting, it can effectively paint a vivid picture of the world in which the story takes place, immersing the reader in the environment and contributing to the overall mood and tone.