What is the role of the narrator in a story?

The role of the narrator in a story is fundamentally to convey events and perspectives to the audience. The narrator might present the story from a particular point of view, shaping how the audience engages with the characters and the plot. They help to provide context, develop character motivations, and enhance the emotional connection to the events unfolding in the narrative. By guiding readers through the storyline, the narrator plays a crucial part in how the story is understood and felt.

A narrator might use first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient perspectives, influencing how much the audience knows about the characters' thoughts and feelings. This interaction between the narrator and the audience is essential in literature as it directly affects the readers' experience and interpretation of the narrative. Thus, the capability of the narrator to effectively convey these elements makes their role vital in storytelling.