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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/41448
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

The term 'unreliable narrator' refers to any narrator that, for whatever reason, presents the narrated events in a misleading way.

It does not matter whether the true nature of the events is mis-presented because the narrator actively wishes to hide or distort something, or because the narrator unwittingly misunderstands the events. Moreover, every time a narrator gives their impression of the events, they're actively leading the reader in how they see it. One can argue that most narrators are unreliable, only some are far more than others, and some do it purposefully.

**Narrator 1: Julie**

> Jack put his hand on Sue's shoulder, in a protective way.
> 
> "I'll take you home," he said.
> 
> She nodded and Norah and I held back giggles. They were so going to be dating after tonight!

**Narrator 2: Jack**

> I put my hand on Sue's shoulder, doing my best to show how strong and capable of protecting her I was even though my knees were shaking.
> 
> "I'll take you home," I said, hoping she didn't notice the nervousness in my voice.
> 
> She nodded, obviously too nervous to speak, waiting for me to ask her to be my girlfriend. Near the car, Norah and Julie were giggling like retards. The moment Sue said yes to being my girlfriend, I was going to get her the hell away from that dumb crowd.

**Narrator 3: Sue**

> Jack put his hand on my shoulder, heavy and clammy.
> 
> "I'll take you home," he said.
> 
> I nodded as I didn't know what to say. I'd spent one year sighing after him and now... he seemed so lame and unimpressive! Near the car, Norah and Julie were giggling, having no idea I wasn't interested in Jack anymore! Please, God! Let him not ask me to be his girlfriend.

**Narrator 4: Tony**

> Jack grabbed Sue's shoulder like he was afraid she'd run away.
> 
> "I'll take you home," he said.
> 
> She nodded, too afraid to refuse him. Near the car, Norah and Julie were giggling as if they had no idea what Jack was really after. But I knew.

* * *

In the quick example above, all four narrators are unreliable because they're letting on their personal interpretations, which are tinged with their fears and desires. This is why most first person narrators are actually unreliable, even when they're honestly trying to convey the truth... as they see it.

Naturally, if the narrator is a child or is mentally impaired for a reason (eg. alcohol), then the events narrated cannot be taken at face value.

Original score: 4