Direct Statements of Opinion:
* "I think..." or "In my opinion..." – The narrator explicitly states their personal beliefs.
* "This was obviously..." or "It was clear to me..." – The narrator uses terms that suggest their perception is absolute, implying a lack of objectivity.
Emotional Language:
* Strong adjectives and adverbs: "The monstrous creature..." or "He was absolutely terrified."
* Figurative language that reveals personal feelings: "His words were like daggers to my heart."
* Emotional reactions: "I felt a surge of anger..." or "My heart pounded with fear."
Limited Perspective:
* Focus on a single character's thoughts and feelings: The narrator only reveals information about the character they are closely tied to.
* Lack of knowledge about events outside the character's experience: The narrator may miss important details or misinterpret events based on their own biases.
* Bias towards a particular character: The narrator may favor one character over another, even if they claim to be impartial.
Unreliable Narration:
* Contradictions or inconsistencies: The narrator may change their story or forget details, suggesting they are not always truthful.
* Self-serving motivations: The narrator may present information in a way that benefits them personally, even if it means distorting the truth.
* Mental instability or trauma: The narrator's mental state may affect their perception of events, making their account unreliable.
Examples:
* "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne: The narrator's Puritanical perspective colors his interpretation of Hester Prynne's actions.
* "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Nick Carraway's unreliable narration creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity.
* "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: Scout Finch's childlike perspective provides a unique and subjective view of the events in Maycomb, Alabama.
Remember: A subjective narrator does not necessarily mean they are wrong. They simply offer a perspective that is shaped by their own experiences, biases, and opinions. This can enrich the story by providing multiple viewpoints and revealing deeper truths about the characters and the world they inhabit.