How to write a story with an unreliable narrator?

An unreliable narrator can make the story more mysterious and keep readers on their toes. They might give false or misleading information, making it harder to predict the plot.

Unreliable narrators in short stories often lack objectivity. They are too involved in the story's events to give a neutral account. Their language can also be a giveaway. They might use overly flowery or convoluted language to hide the truth or they may be very evasive. Also, they may have a psychological disorder or be in a state of mental distress that affects how they perceive and report what is happening. This makes it hard for the reader to trust their version of the story right from the start.

One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The narrator's version of events is constantly being undermined as the story progresses, keeping the reader on their toes. Another great one is 'The Great Gatsby' where Nick Carraway's narration is somewhat unreliable as he has his own biases and limited understanding of the complex relationships around him. Also, 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov has an unreliable narrator in Humbert Humbert, whose self - justifying and immoral perspective makes the reader question the truth of his account.

To be a good narrator in a story, first, define your character. Know their personality, background, and biases. Then, decide on the level of detail and the pace of the storytelling. Also, vary your language to keep the readers engaged.

One example is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. The narrator in this story claims to be sane, but his actions and the way he tells the story suggest otherwise. He obsesses over the old man's 'vulture - like' eye and eventually murders him. His over - sensitivity to the sound of the old man's heart, which he believes he still hears even after the man is dead, makes the reader question his reliability.

It happens because war is often chaotic and confusing. Different perspectives and limited information can lead to unreliable narration.

The key to writing a great narrator is to make them consistent. Ensure their style and attitude remain the same throughout. Also, give them a purpose - are they guiding the reader, adding commentary, or just telling the story plainly?

An unreliable narrator in Stephen King's short stories often adds a sense of mystery and unease. For example, in some of his works, the narrator might be a character with a distorted perception due to trauma or mental illness. This makes the reader question the truth of the events being told.

For beginners, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night - Time' by Mark Haddon is a good start. The narrator, Christopher, has autism which affects how he perceives and relays events. It's an easy - to - follow story despite the unreliable narration. Another option is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a short story but very effective in showing an unreliable narrator who tries to convince the reader of his sanity while clearly being deranged. 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan also has an unreliable narrator in Briony. The novel is well - written and engaging for those new to the concept of unreliable narrators.

Well, start by giving the narrator a distinct voice and personality. Make them relatable and engaging for the readers.