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Quick answer: An unreliable narrator is a storyteller whose account the reader cannot fully trust, because they lie, are biased, are mistaken, lack knowledge or are mentally unwell. The device creates tension and surprise, as readers must read between the lines. Examples include Amy in Gone Girl, Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby and Humbert Humbert in Lolita.
Quick facts
Narrators whose version of events is not fully reliable
Term popularized by Wayne C. Booth in 1961
Reasons: lying, bias, naivety, memory, mental illness
Common in thrillers and literary fiction
Often leads to a twist
Sometimes the most interesting thing about a story is the storyteller. When you realize that the narrator may be hiding something, the whole book changes. This guide explains the device, its types and examples.
Table of Contents
What Is an Unreliable Narrator?
A narrator is the voice that tells the story. An unreliable narrator gives an account that is partly or wholly untrustworthy. The reader gradually picks up clues that the narrator is lying, mistaken or limited. The critic Wayne C. Booth introduced the term in his 1961 book The Rhetoric of Fiction.
Why Are Narrators Unreliable?
- The narrator lies on purpose to hide a crime or secret.
- The narrator is biased by feelings or self-interest.
- The narrator is naive, such as a child who does not understand events.
- The narrator is mentally unwell or under stress.
- The narrator has incomplete information.
- The narrator’s memory is faulty.
Famous Examples
| Book | Narrator | Why unreliable |
|---|---|---|
| Gone Girl | Amy and Nick | Deception and withheld facts |
| The Great Gatsby | Nick Carraway | Bias and selective telling |
| Lolita | Humbert Humbert | Self-serving justification |
| The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Dr. Sheppard | Conceals his role |
| The Remains of the Day | Stevens | Self-deception |
| Atonement | Briony | Imagination mixed with fact |
| Fight Club | The narrator | Mental state |
How Authors Use the Device
Authors use unreliable narrators to build suspense, reveal character and invite readers to question. The gap between what the narrator says and what the reader understands can create irony or sympathy. In mysteries, it can surprise readers with a twist. In literary fiction, it explores self-deception and the nature of truth.
How to Spot an Unreliable Narrator
Look for inconsistencies, contradictions, gaps in the story and reactions from other characters that don’t match the narrator’s account. Notice if the narrator is defensive, overly eager to convince or has a motive to lie. Re-reading often reveals clues you missed the first time.
Spoiler Caution
Many unreliable narrators are central to a book’s twist, so discussions can spoil the story. When recommending books, avoid saying outright that the narrator is unreliable, or flag spoilers. Book clubs often enjoy debating how trustworthy a narrator is after finishing.
Reading Tips and Recommendations
Trust but verify as you read. Keep notes of details that seem off. If you want to try the device, start with a thriller like Gone Girl or a classic like The Great Gatsby. Look for unreliable narrator novels for more suggestions.
Writing an Unreliable Narrator
Writers use techniques like giving the narrator a strong voice, planting clues and letting the narrator contradict themselves subtly. The reader must be able to piece together the truth. Done well, it makes readers active participants.
Famous Unreliable Narrators in Film and TV
The device appears on screen as well. Films like Fight Club, Shutter Island and The Usual Suspects use unreliable narration, and TV shows such as Mr. Robot do too. Watching an adaptation can show how storytellers translate a narrator’s perspective into images, voiceover and editing. Comparing the book and film is a fun book club activity, and it shows how the choice of narrator changes a story.
Unreliable Narrators for Younger Readers
Younger readers may meet simple forms of unreliable narration in books where a child misunderstands adult events, or a character exaggerates. Middle grade novels such as Wonder use multiple narrators to show different perspectives. Teaching children to ask whose story they are hearing builds critical thinking. A parent can ask: Do you think she is telling everything? What might the other character say? These questions develop reading skills.
Writing Prompt: Create Your Own Unreliable Narrator
Try writing a short scene from the point of view of someone who tells the story in a slanted way. Decide what they are hiding and plant two or three clues that contradict their account. Share it with a friend and ask whether they noticed the clues. The exercise helps you appreciate how authors balance deception and fairness to the reader.
Famous Unreliable Narrators in Children’s and YA Books
Even YA novels use unreliable narration, such as Thirteen Reasons Why with its mix of voices, or We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, where the narrator’s memory is damaged. These books can spark good conversations about perspective and truth. Be aware that some deal with heavy topics, so check content notes before reading.
Reading Tip: Keep a Clue Log
As you read a book with a suspicious narrator, jot down moments that feel off. After finishing, review your list to see how many clues you caught. Many readers find that a second reading is even more rewarding, because details that seemed ordinary suddenly look meaningful.
Related: how to choose book club books and discussion questions that work for any book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an unreliable narrator?
A narrator whose account cannot be fully trusted.
Who coined the term?
Critic Wayne C. Booth, in 1961.
What is an example of an unreliable narrator?
Amy in Gone Girl or Nick in The Great Gatsby.
Why do authors use unreliable narrators?
To create suspense, irony and complexity.
How can I tell if a narrator is unreliable?
Watch for contradictions, gaps and mismatch with other characters’ views.