Final answer:
Characters' perspectives in a narrative influence readers by providing insight into the narrator's biases and emotions, creating a singular lens through which the story is viewed. Multiple perspectives can enrich the story by showing different interpretations of the same events, and contrasting authorial intents can affect the tone of their writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effect of Characters' Perspectives
The characters' perspectives in literature play a crucial role in shaping a reader's understanding and engagement with the narrative. A story told from multiple characters' points of view can create a rich tapestry of insights, allowing readers to see events from various angles. In the case of a narrator with a limited perspective, such as a first-person narrator or a third-person narrator focusing on a single character, the audience experiences the story through this singular filter. Readers get a deep dive into the psychological and emotional landscape of that character, which can be especially compelling for character-driven stories. However, it can also lead to a narrative with biases reflective of that character's experiences and personality.
A narrative voice that changes perspective can highlight differing motivations, biases, and interpretations of events. For instance, Netflix series like 'Dear White People' and 'Arrested Development' have episodes that retell the same events from different characters' viewpoints. This method can challenge the viewer's initial perceptions and reveal new layers to the storyline.
The effect of different perspectives is also emphasized when contrasting authors with opposing stances - such as one from the side of the victor and one from the vanquished - where their intentions and the subsequent tone of their writing will be influenced by their personal contexts.