Point of view:
1. First-Person (I, Me, We): If the narrator uses "I," "me," or "we" to describe events and experiences, they are likely a character within the story. They participate in the events and have a personal stake in the outcome.
2. Third-Person (He, She, They): If the narrator uses third-person pronouns like "he," "she," "they," or "it" to describe characters and events, it's possible they are an external narrator. However, some first-person narrators may also switch to third-person for specific scenes or moments.
Perspective:
1. Limited Perspective: A character-narrator usually has a limited perspective, confined to their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They can only share information they are directly involved in or can observe.
2. Omniscient Perspective: An external narrator often has an omniscient perspective, meaning they have access to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of multiple characters. They can provide insight into events that different characters may not be privy to.
Involvement in the Story:
1. Participates in Events: If the narrator is directly involved in the plot, makes decisions, interacts with other characters, and experiences the consequences of their actions, they are likely a character within the story.
2. Observes from Outside: An external narrator may observe and report on events without directly participating in them. They provide an objective viewpoint and maintain a certain distance from the characters' experiences.
Level of Knowledge:
1. Limited Knowledge: A character-narrator's knowledge is often limited to what they can perceive and understand. They may have biases, uncertainties, and gaps in their information.
2. Comprehensive Knowledge: An external narrator may have comprehensive knowledge of events, past, present, and future, regardless of the individual characters' perspectives.
Keep in mind that some authors deliberately blend these techniques, blurring the line between internal and external narration. If the story uses multiple narrators or shifts perspectives, the narrator's role may change throughout the narrative.