What is the role of the narrator in a story?

The role of the narrator in a story is fundamentally to convey the story's events and insights. This involves not only recounting what happens in the plot but also offering perspectives on characters and themes, guiding the reader's understanding and emotional engagement. The narrator shapes how the audience experiences the narrative through their voice, tone, and perspective—whether that be first-person, third-person, omniscient, or limited. Through this storytelling framework, the narrator provides context and depth, helping readers to form connections with the characters and fully grasp the unfolding events. This dynamic relationship between the narrator and the story is vital in creating a cohesive and engaging reading experience.

While evaluating characters' actions, promoting themes, and providing historical context can be aspects of a narrator's role, these elements are typically secondary to the primary function of narrating the events and insights of the story, which encompasses a broader range of storytelling techniques and purposes.