Spencer Lanoue
Creating a story with an unreliable narrator can transform a straightforward narrative into a mind-bending puzzle that keeps readers guessing. This literary technique can add depth, intrigue, and complexity to your storytelling. But how exactly do you craft a character whose account of events is, well, not entirely trustworthy? Let's break it down.
What Makes a Narrator Unreliable?
Before we get into the how-to, let's clarify what it means for a narrator to be unreliable. Essentially, an unreliable narrator is one whose credibility is compromised. They might be lying, mentally unstable, or just plain mistaken. This unreliability can emerge through contradictions, omissions, or discrepancies in their storytelling.
Consider the classic novel "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is often considered an unreliable narrator due to his subjective and sometimes exaggerated perspective on events and people. His biases and emotional instability color his narrative. Readers question the truth behind his words.
So, how do you write a character like this? Here are some tips and techniques to get you started.
Start with a Strong Character Backstory
An unreliable narrator doesn't just appear out of thin air. There's usually a reason behind their skewed perspective. Maybe they're a child with a limited understanding of the world, or perhaps they're a seasoned liar with something to hide. Whatever the case, a strong backstory is essential.
Think about the motivations and experiences that shape your narrator's worldview. Are they trying to protect themselves from a painful truth? Do they have a history of deceit? Understanding their backstory helps you weave their unreliability naturally into the narrative.
Example: Crafting a Backstory
John was always the black sheep of his family. Growing up, he'd often lie to avoid punishment, a habit that became second nature. As an adult, his tendency to stretch the truth occasionally slips into his storytelling, making it hard for others to separate fact from fiction.
Use First-Person Perspective
The first-person perspective is a powerful tool for crafting an unreliable narrator. It allows readers to see the world through the character's eyes, complete with their biases and limitations. This perspective immerses the audience in the narrator's version of events, creating a tight, subjective experience.
When writing in the first person, you'll want to pay attention to the narrator's voice and how it reflects their personality and state of mind. Are they defensive, evasive, or overly confident? These traits can signal unreliability to the reader.
Example: First-Person Perspective
"I swear, I didn't mean to do it. You have to believe me. It was an accident, okay? I'm not a bad person; I'm just misunderstood."
Incorporate Subtle Inconsistencies
One of the hallmarks of an unreliable narrator is the presence of subtle inconsistencies in their story. These discrepancies can be as simple as conflicting details or as complex as contradictions in their behavior or emotions.
These inconsistencies should be sprinkled throughout the narrative, prompting the reader to question the narrator's account. However, it's important to strike a balance. Too many inconsistencies can confuse readers. Too few may not effectively convey the narrator's unreliability.
Example: Subtle Inconsistencies
"She said she loved me, but I remember her exact words were, 'I think you're okay.' Maybe she was just shy about her feelings. Yeah, that's it."
Leverage Secondary Characters
Secondary characters can serve as a reality check for your unreliable narrator. They can offer alternative perspectives or challenge the narrator's version of events, providing valuable context for readers.
When using secondary characters, be mindful of how their interactions with the narrator reveal the latter's unreliability. It's essential that these interactions feel organic and not forced, as they should naturally unfold within the story.
Example: Leveraging Secondary Characters
"Tom insisted he saw me at the party, but I know for a fact I was home watching TV. Maybe he mistook someone else for me," I laughed, hoping he wouldn't press further.
Introduce Self-Deception
Sometimes, the most compelling unreliable narrators are those who deceive themselves. These characters may genuinely believe in their version of events, even if it's far from reality. This self-deception adds complexity to the narrative, as readers are left to untangle the truth alongside the narrator.
To portray self-deception effectively, consider how the narrator justifies their actions or distorts their memories. This internal conflict can be a rich source of tension and intrigue in your story.
Example: Self-Deception
"I know I didn't take the money. I would never do something like that. Maybe someone else put it in my bag as a prank. Yeah, that must be it."
Use Unreliable Narration for Plot Twists
An unreliable narrator can be a powerful tool for delivering unexpected plot twists. By misleading the reader, you can build suspense and create a dramatic reveal that turns the story on its head.
When planning a plot twist involving an unreliable narrator, ensure that the twist feels earned and not simply a gimmick. Plant subtle clues throughout the narrative that, in hindsight, foreshadow the twist. This way, readers will feel satisfied rather than cheated when the truth is revealed.
Example: Plot Twist with Unreliable Narration
"All this time, I thought I was protecting her. In reality, she was the one using me to cover up her own crimes. How could I have been so blind?"
Maintain a Consistent Voice
The voice of your unreliable narrator is crucial in maintaining their believability, even as their credibility is questioned. A consistent voice helps anchor the reader in the narrator's perspective, making their unreliability all the more engaging.
Consider the narrator's language, tone, and choice of words. These elements should reflect their personality and state of mind, contributing to the overall sense of unreliability.
Example: Consistent Voice
"I'm not saying I'm perfect, but who is? Everyone makes mistakes. It's just that mine are a little bigger than most."
Experiment with Structure and Style
The structure and style of your narrative can enhance the sense of unreliability. Consider experimenting with fragmented timelines, non-linear storytelling, or stream-of-consciousness prose to reflect the narrator's unstable perception of reality.
These stylistic choices can immerse readers in the narrator's mindset, blurring the line between truth and fiction. However, be mindful of maintaining readability. Your narrative should remain engaging and accessible, even as it challenges the reader's expectations.
Example: Fragmented Structure
"I remember the night in flashes. A smile here, a whispered promise there. But the details slip through my fingers like sand. Did it really happen, or was it just a dream?"
Craft an Engaging Ending
The ending of your story is your chance to bring the narrative full circle, revealing the truth behind the narrator's unreliability. Whether you choose to clarify the events or leave some questions unanswered, ensure that the conclusion resonates with your readers.
Consider how the narrator's journey has evolved and what they have learned, if anything, from their experiences. A satisfying ending can validate the reader's investment in the story, even if the truth remains elusive.
Example: Engaging Ending
"In the end, I realized it didn't matter what was true or false. All that mattered was what I chose to believe. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough."
Final Thoughts
Crafting an unreliable narrator can be a rewarding challenge that adds depth and intrigue to your storytelling. By focusing on character backstory, perspective, and voice, you can create a narrator whose unreliability engages and captivates readers. While it's hard to say for sure, using a tool like Spell can streamline your writing process, helping you draft and refine your narrative with ease. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy the creative journey!
