186k views
1 vote
Why is it important to pick a narrator carefully when planning to write a narrative?

1.) The narrator tells the story, but it is the reader who controls how events are imagined.

2.) The narrator's point of view determines the sequence of events.

3.) The narrator must know what all characters think at all times.

4.) The narrative will change depending on the narrator's tone and point of view.

User Astropanic
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Choosing the right narrator is pivotal in narrative writing since the narrator's point of view and tone shape how the story is perceived by the reader. Narrators can range from first-person protagonists to omniscient third-person observers, each offering a unique angle and depth to the narrative.

Step-by-step explanation:

Importance of Choosing the Right Narrator in Narrative Writing

It is critical to pick a narrator carefully when planning to write a narrative because the narrator holds significant power over how the story is conveyed to the reader. The narrator's point of view informs the reader's understanding of the events and characters within the text. While option 1 is partially true in that the reader visualizes events, the narrator shapes that visualization through tone and detail. However, option 2's assertion that the narrator determines the sequence of events is incorrect; typically, the author does so. Option 3 is also untrue as the narrator does not need to know what all characters think unless they are omniscient. The most accurate reason is option 4: the narrative will indeed change depending on the narrator's tone and point of view, impacting the reader's perception and interpretation of the story.

Narrators can vary from first-person participants in the action to third-person observers, whether omniscient or limited in their knowledge. An omniscient narrator might offer a broader perspective, while a first-person narrator provides a more intimate but potentially biased viewpoint. In narratives with an unreliable narrator, readers must question the validity of the narration, which can add layers of complexity to a story. Thus, the choice of narrator is instrumental in sculpting the narrative, influencing how the audience perceives the plot, characters, and themes.

User Ctrlbrk
by
8.1k points