Narrative Perspective and Unreliable Narrators
Analyse point of view and narrative perspective — including first person, third person limited and omniscient, and unreliable narrator — and how the author's or narrator's perspective shapes the reader's understanding and creates effects such as suspense, irony, or humour
Suggested ages 11–14
Evidence of understanding
- Identify the narrative perspective of a text and explain how it limits or expands the reader's knowledge
- Explain how dramatic irony arises when the reader knows something a character does not
- Compare how the same event might be told differently from two characters' perspectives
Assessment prompt
When Narrative Perspective and Unreliable Narrators reads a story with an unreliable narrator — where the person telling the story isn't fully trustworthy — can they spot the clues that suggest the narrator isn't giving the full picture?
Standards alignment
RI.6.6
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
RI.7.6
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
RI.8.6
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
RL.6.6
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
RL.7.6
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
RL.8.6
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
Study setting, plot, and characterisation
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3