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GLOSSARY TERM

The Omniscient Narrator: Examples & Definition

An omniscient narrator is a type of narrator in storytelling who knows everything about the plot, characters, and events.

The term comes from the Latin roots “omnis,” meaning “all,” and “scientia,” meaning “knowledge,” combine to form “omniscient.

This narrator has a god-like perspective on the story. They can access the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of all characters, moving freely between them without being limited to just one character’s viewpoint.

Think of it as having an aerial view of the entire story. You can see the big picture while also getting a look at all the smaller details that drive the narrative forward.

Why choose an omniscient narrator?

Writers use omniscient narrators to offer readers a broader understanding of the world. This all-knowing perspective allows the narrator to give insight into multiple characters’ emotions, motivations, and conflicts. It’s an effective tool in stories with large casts of characters or intricate plots, where understanding different viewpoints adds extra depth.

However, there’s a balance to strike. While an omniscient narrator provides a lot of information, it can sometimes distance the reader from the story. With so many perspectives available, the reader might not feel as closely connected to a particular character.

Examples of omniscient narrators

Some well-known examples of omniscient narrators can be found in literature’s most iconic works. In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the narrator offers insight into the thoughts and feelings of various characters, often providing context that helps readers understand the set up. Another famous example is J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, where the narrator moves seamlessly between the perspectives of hobbits, wizards, and other characters, giving a broad view of Middle-earth.

How to recognise an omniscient narrator

Identifying an omniscient narrator is usually straightforward. If the narrator can jump between different characters’ thoughts and feelings without sticking to one viewpoint, that’s a clear sign. You’ll often notice this when a scene offers insight into more than one character’s mind, giving the reader knowledge the characters might not have.

Pay attention to narration that feels like it’s zooming out, offering a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening across the story, rather than sticking close to one character’s experience.

Should you use an omniscient narrator?

If you’re a writer thinking about whether an omniscient narrator is right for your story, consider the scope of your narrative. Are you working with a large cast of characters or a complex plot that requires readers to see multiple sides? Or is your story more intimate, where the focus is on a single character’s experience?

Choosing the right narrator also depends on the tone and depth you want your story to have. Omniscient narrators are a great fit for stories where understanding multiple characters’ thoughts and motivations adds layers of meaning, but it’s important to avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information at once.

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Written by Sam Hemmings

Writer & Founder

Sam is a writer and editor from the South of England with over six years of experience as a Content Manager. She has a degree in English Literature and Language, which she loves putting to work by collaborating closely with fiction authors. When she’s not working on manuscripts, you can find her in the woods with her partner and dog, or curling up with a good book.