narrator

word

/ˈnɛɹeɪtɝ/
NE-ray-dur
/nɐɹˈeɪtɐ/
nuh-RAY-tuh

Definition

A narrator is the person or voice that tells a story in a book, movie, play, or other work. The narrator may be a character in the story or an outside voice describing events.

Usage & Nuances

Common in literature, film, and audiobooks. Don't confuse it with 'author': the author writes the work, while the 'narrator' tells the story inside it. In films and documentaries, it can also mean the voice-over speaker.

Example Sentences

The narrator tells the story at the start of the movie.

basic

The narrator speaks in a calm voice.

basic

In this book, the narrator is a young girl.

basic

The narrator sounded so familiar that I kept trying to guess who it was.

natural

Halfway through the novel, you realize the narrator isn't telling the whole truth.

natural

I love documentaries with a narrator who explains things without sounding boring.

natural