metanarrators

A metanarrator is a literary device where the narrator of a story is aware of their own status as a narrator or of the fictional nature of the story. This awareness can manifest in various ways, such as directly addressing the reader, commenting on the narrative itself, or acknowledging the conventions of storytelling. The metanarrator breaks the illusion of reality within the story, drawing attention to the constructedness of the narrative.

This technique can serve several purposes. It can create a sense of intimacy or complicity between the narrator and the reader, inviting them to share in the act of storytelling. It can also be used for humorous effect, by playing with reader expectations or highlighting the absurdity of certain narrative tropes. Furthermore, metanarrative can prompt readers to think critically about the nature of fiction, authorship, and the relationship between stories and reality.

Authors employ metanarrators to challenge traditional narrative structures and engage their audience on a different level. Examples can be found across various genres and time periods, from early modernist literature to contemporary postmodern works. The effectiveness of a metanarrator often depends on how it is integrated into the overall story and the author's intention in using this self-reflexive technique.