What are the functions of dead narrators in fiction?

Often, they create a rather eerie tone. Their very state of being dead is something otherworldly, and this seeps into the narrative. It gives the story an almost haunted quality.

There are first - person narrators, who tell the story from their own perspective, using 'I'. For example, in 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield is a first - person narrator. Then there are third - person narrators. A third - person omniscient narrator knows everything about the characters and the story, like in 'Pride and Prejudice'. Third - person limited narrators only know the thoughts and feelings of one or a few characters.

Fiction books entertain us. They take us to different worlds and let us experience adventures we might not have in real life.

Characters in short fiction function in various ways. They are the heart of the story. They can be used to evoke emotions in the reader. A likable character may make the reader feel happy or sympathetic, while a villainous one can arouse anger or fear. Also, characters can provide a perspective. Through their eyes, the reader gets to see the fictional world. And finally, characters can add realism to the story. Well - developed characters with their own quirks and personalities make the fictional setting seem more believable.

Maps in fiction books often help with the world - building aspect. They can show the different regions, cities, and landscapes that are part of the fictional universe. This is really useful in epic fantasies like 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. The maps there give a clear picture of Westeros and Essos, which is essential for following the political intrigues and military campaigns that span across different areas. They also act as a guide for the characters' travels and quests, making it easier for the reader to keep track of where they are going and what they might encounter along the way.

Black characters can be used to explore themes such as racism and discrimination. Their experiences within the fictional world can highlight the unjust treatment they face, making readers more aware of these social issues. For instance, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the character of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused, shows the deep - rooted racism in the society of that time.

Rebreathers in science fiction can have various functions. They might enable characters to explore areas with toxic atmospheres. Some rebreathers are depicted as advanced devices that can recycle and purify air for an extended period, which is crucial for long - term space missions or deep - sea dives in fictional stories. Also, they can be a key element in the survival kit of a stranded astronaut or a deep - sea explorer.

One function is transportation. They can take characters to different planets, galaxies, or even different universes in an instant. For example, in 'Sliders', the portal allows the main characters to slide between parallel Earths.

Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho' is also an unreliable narrator. His extreme violence and distorted view of the world are presented in a way that makes it hard to believe his account at face value. He might be hallucinating or exaggerating many of the events, blurring the line between reality and his own deranged perception.

Some narrators are unreliable because they are mentally unstable. A prime example is the narrator in 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. His guilt and insanity cause him to distort the events leading up to and after the murder. His paranoia and delusions color his account, making it difficult for the reader to take his version of the story as an accurate representation of what actually happened.