1. TheDarkPen

    TheDarkPen New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2010
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Pallet Town, Johto

    Narrator not the main character?

    Discussion in 'Character Development' started by TheDarkPen, Mar 26, 2010.

    In my most recent project, the narrator isn't the main character, but rather just giving her thoughts on what she knows about this girl's story. I'm mainly going to expand on her character through her voice and some pictures I'm going to include (a la House of Leaves). Any warning or tips? I'm a bit apprehensive about this, but I think it makes it more real for the audience.

    Thanks!
    Dark
     
  2. themistoclea

    themistoclea New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2010
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Sydney
    Make sure that the narrator is a person in their own right, with their own motivations and reasons for their knowledge of someone else's life. The clouding of their judgement, and the way that they mis/perceive the events unfolding could contribute something unexpected to the story as well. Check out 'The Great Gatsby'... It's definitely possible to pull-off a narrator who is not the main character. Just be aware of their limitations.
    Good luck!
     
  3. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Holmes and Watson.
     
  4. MsMyth71

    MsMyth71 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2010
    Messages:
    113
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Fort Collins, CO
    Ya beat me to the Gatsby recommendation. I agree that it's possible, but that there is going to be a limit here. I think Gatsby worked (for me) because even though the narrator felt passive at times, I was still interested in how he filtered the information to me (the reader), if that makes sense.
     
  5. Personal Giggle

    Personal Giggle New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2010
    Messages:
    14
    Likes Received:
    0
    One flew over the cuckoo's nest ?

    I suppose that's a good example, read it and agree or write me a bruising note.

    I like abuse.

    -pG

    "So much for that...
     
  6. SilverWolf0101

    SilverWolf0101 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2009
    Messages:
    344
    Likes Received:
    14
    Another thing to remember when doing a seperate narrator/mc is that depending on how the narrator presents the information and they're views, it will greatly influence how your readers see your main character. So be careful on how you present stuff, a simple misunderstanding can greatly destroy the point you were working for.
     
  7. Sieglinde

    Sieglinde Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2010
    Messages:
    61
    Likes Received:
    5
    Check out Moby Dick for the Ur Example.
     
  8. arron89

    arron89 Banned

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2008
    Messages:
    2,442
    Likes Received:
    93
    Location:
    Auckland
    Moby Dick is actually an interesting (and much more complex) example, since it features what can only be described as an omniscient, disembodied first person narrator. I wrote a post about it a long time ago, its here if you want to read it.
     
  9. Three

    Three New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2009
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Land of the Silver Birch
    Excellent idea! Kudos for experimenting, don't let anyone discourage you. Yes, there are some novels that have used that method and quite effectively, but that shouldn't matter! This is your story, experiment with it, use it however you want. If it feels right, keep it, if it doesn't, tweak it until it does. :D
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice