Reflections by Daniel E. Dercksen
The closest and most trusted ally you can have when writing your story is the narrator. I trust the narrator of my story wholeheartedly; I have granted him free rein to rule with authority and imagination.
It is important to know who is telling the story. Through the eyes of the narrator, we witness the world unfold. Through the narrator’s insight, our characters come to life. And it is through that same insight that your story fully comes alive.
Almost like Frankenstein, creating his monstrous nemesis and soulmate.
You must ensure that your narrator is not simply you in disguise. Separate yourself from the narrator, and allow that voice to become a guiding principle—anchoring your story and breathing life into it.
Perhaps the narrator is someone who uncovers the secret of two lovers and tells their story. Or perhaps it is a murderer, executed, who redeems himself by recounting the lives of those he harmed.
The narrator is an emotional archaeologist, unearthing hidden secrets and ultimately revealing your story’s truth.
Allow your narrator to question your characters’ actions. Let the narrator describe the world and its circumstances. Grant the narrator freedom of expression—yet never let that voice overshadow the characters themselves.
Be careful not to reveal your narrator’s identity too soon. When the reader finally discovers who it is, it should come as a surprise—a reward earned through the journey of your story.
The narrator in my story is not only an ally, but also my closest friend and confidant.
The Narrator is Absolutely Pivotal in a Story
