Author:
* The real person who created the text. This is the individual with the life experiences, beliefs, and intentions that drive the writing.
* The author is external to the story. They are not a character within the narrative world.
* The author's voice is not always present in the text. While the author's perspectives and beliefs may influence the story, the author's direct voice is usually not heard.
Narrator:
* The voice that tells the story. This is the fictional entity who guides the reader through the events of the narrative.
* The narrator is a character within the story world. They may be a participant in the events, or they may be an observer.
* The narrator's perspective shapes the reader's understanding of the story. Their personality, biases, and limitations influence how they present the events, characters, and themes.
Here's an analogy:
Think of a movie. The author is the director who conceived of the story, chose the actors, and made creative decisions. The narrator is the character who tells the story within the film, like a voice-over or a character's internal monologue.
Types of Narrators:
* First-Person: The narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" and "me".
* Second-Person: The narrator addresses the reader directly, using "you".
* Third-Person: The narrator is outside the story, using "he," "she," "it," and "they."
Understanding the difference between author and narrator is crucial because:
* It helps you understand the author's intentions. How is the narrator's perspective being used to convey a particular message?
* It allows you to identify the limitations of the narrative. What information might the narrator be withholding or distorting?
* It deepens your appreciation for the author's craft. How does the author use the narrator to create a particular tone or effect?
By recognizing the difference between author and narrator, you can gain a deeper understanding of the text and its message.