Here's why:
* Unreliable narrators are characters whose accounts of events are colored by their own perspectives, prejudices, and limitations.
* They may:
* Misinterpret events: They may see things differently than they actually are, or they may have incomplete information.
* Have a hidden agenda: They might be intentionally withholding information or manipulating the truth for their own benefit.
* Suffer from mental or emotional instability: Their perception of reality may be distorted due to trauma, delusions, or other mental health issues.
* Their biases create an intriguing element of suspense and encourage the reader to question the truth.
Examples of unreliable narrators in literature:
* Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: Holden's cynical and jaded view of the world colors his narration.
* The Narrator in "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe: The narrator's obsession and guilt heavily influence his account of the murder.
* Miss Marple in Agatha Christie's novels: Despite her seemingly innocent demeanor, Miss Marple's observations are often informed by her extensive knowledge of human nature and her understanding of small-town life.
By creating an unreliable narrator, authors challenge the reader to actively engage with the story and make their own judgments about the events being portrayed.