autodiegeettinen

Autodiegeettinen is a term used in narratology to describe a specific type of narrative perspective. It refers to a narrator who is a character within the story they are telling, and who is also the protagonist of that story. This means the narrator is both telling the story and is the main subject of the story.

In an autodiegeettic narrative, the narrator experiences the events firsthand and recounts them from their own point of view. The "auto" prefix signifies self, while "diegeettinen" refers to the story or narrative level. Therefore, "autodiegeettinen" literally means "self-narrative" or "self-story." The narrator's personal involvement ensures a subjective and often intimate perspective. Their motivations, feelings, and understanding of events shape the reader's perception.

Examples of autodiegeettic narration can be found in first-person novels and autobiographies. The narrator is not merely an observer but an active participant whose journey and development are central to the plot. The reliability of the narrator can be a key element in such narratives, as their personal biases or limited knowledge might influence the telling of the story. This narrative mode allows for deep character exploration and a direct connection between the reader and the protagonist.