Which narrative feature describes a narrator whose credibility is compromised, often found in first-person narration?

Which narrative feature describes a narrator whose credibility is compromised, often found in first-person narration?

• A. Reliable Narrator
• B. Naive Narrator
• C. Unreliable Narrator
• D. Omniscient Narrator

Answer: (C)

In a first-person narration, the narrator’s trustworthiness can be compromised, which is what an unreliable narrator describes. An unreliable narrator may misinterpret events, be biased, have faulty memory, or even deceive the reader on purpose. Because the story unfolds only through that limited perspective, readers must read critically, noticing contradictions, gaps, or biased language that reveal what the narrator cannot or will not reveal. This makes the narrative feel more complex and often invites dramatic irony, since what’s shown may not align with what actually happened or what other characters know. By comparison, a reliable narrator presents events clearly and truthfully; a naive narrator is sincere but immature or inexperienced, yet still trustworthy within their limited view; an omniscient narrator knows everything but isn’t confined to one character’s credibility. Therefore, the narrator whose credibility is compromised best fits this description.

In a first-person narration, the narrator’s trustworthiness can be compromised, which is what an unreliable narrator describes. An unreliable narrator may misinterpret events, be biased, have faulty memory, or even deceive the reader on purpose. Because the story unfolds only through that limited perspective, readers must read critically, noticing contradictions, gaps, or biased language that reveal what the narrator cannot or will not reveal. This makes the narrative feel more complex and often invites dramatic irony, since what’s shown may not align with what actually happened or what other characters know. By comparison, a reliable narrator presents events clearly and truthfully; a naive narrator is sincere but immature or inexperienced, yet still trustworthy within their limited view; an omniscient narrator knows everything but isn’t confined to one character’s credibility. Therefore, the narrator whose credibility is compromised best fits this description.