In literary terms, what is an "unreliable narrator"?

An unreliable narrator is defined as a narrator who exhibits bias and lacks objectivity, which causes the audience to question the truthfulness of their account. This technique is utilized by authors to create tension or to encourage readers to investigate the narrative more critically. The narrator may distort events or present a skewed perspective based on personal opinions, psychological instability, incomplete knowledge, or other limitations.

For instance, in novels like "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger or "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk, the narrators present their stories from heavily subjective viewpoints, leading readers to interpret the underlying truth through careful examination of the narrative. The implication of an unreliable narrator often deepens the complexity of the story, compelling readers to engage actively with the text and discern what might be an alternative viewpoint or hidden reality.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of an unreliable narrator. A narrator who reveals all secrets would typically be seen as transparent and trustworthy, while one who always tells the truth is the opposite of unreliable. Meanwhile, a narrator who functions mainly as a secondary character does not inherently imply unreliability; their status in the story doesn't reflect on their truthfulness or bias.