Narrator and VoiceWho’s Talking?

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1. Narrator

The narrator is the person telling the

story. The story is told from his point of

view.

◦ Point of view is the way that you see the

story—the version you get.

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2. Omniscient Point of View

Om-ni-scient

Omniscient means all knowing

The narrator knows everything about the

story and characters—even knows what

the characters feel and think.

The narrator is not one of the characters.

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3. First-Person Narrator

The narrator is a character in the story who is experiencing the events first-hand. He refers to himself as I or me.

Some first-person narrators are credible, or believable. Others are unreliable, meaning they cannot be trusted—not because they’re not telling the truth, necessarily, but they may not see the full picture.

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4. Third-Person-Limited Narrator

A third-person-limited narrator knows

everything (like an omniscient narrator)

and is not a character in the story;

however, the narrator limits his focus to a

single character.

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5. Diction

Dic-tion: the writer’s word choice.

◦ “Could you be so kind as to pass me the milk?” Vs. “Give me that!”

◦ “I regret to inform you that that is not the case.” Vs. “You’re wrong!”

◦ “It is a pleasure to see you again! How are you today?” Vs. “Hey, what’s

up?”

◦ “I’m a bit upset,” Vs. “I’m so peeved.”

◦ “I would be delighted!” Vs. “Sure, why not?”

◦ “I’ll do it right away, sir,” Vs. “Yeah, just a sec.”

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6. Tone

the author’s attitude toward the writing (his characters, the

situation) and the readers.

◦ A work of writing can have more than one tone. An example of tone

could be both serious and humorous.

Tone is set by the setting, choice of vocabulary, and other

details.

Amused Humorous Pessimistic Angry

Informal Playful Cheerful Ironic

Pompous Horror Light Sad

Clear Matter-of-fact Serious Formal

Resigned Suspicious Gloomy Optimistic

Witty

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Mood

the general atmosphere created by the

author’s words; the feeling the reader gets

from reading those words.

◦ It may be the same, throughout, or it may

change from situation to situationFanciful Melancholy Frightening

Mysterious Frustrating Romantic

Gloomy Sentimental Happy

Sorrowful Joyful Suspenseful

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7. Voice

The writer’s overall style based on his

tone and diction.A voice on the Web: Strive to create a "text" voice that is as distinctive as your

speaking voice.

We can't all be Hemingway: Don't try to write like someone else; find your

own voice and don't try to change your demeanor.

Write like you talk: It really can be that simple.

Let your passion be your guide: Follow the urge; follow the idea.

Let me entertain you: All writing, even the most serious, is a form of

entertainment. Find the words that keep your reader interested.

Your view on the world: Your specialty, your interests will color your view on

the world—not to mention your writing.

Find the feeling: If you find the feeling that belongs to a piece of writing, the

piece may write itself. There is no bad first draft. Let yourself go.

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Questions?

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