Here are some key characteristics of a self-reflexive narrator:
* Directly addressing the reader: The narrator might speak to the reader directly, using phrases like "you" or "dear reader."
* Commenting on the narrative: The narrator might point out inconsistencies in the story, explain their own biases, or even apologize for a lack of information.
* Questioning their own reliability: The narrator might be unsure about the events they are describing or acknowledge their own limitations in understanding the situation.
* Acknowledging the fictional nature of the story: The narrator might refer to the story as a "tale," "narrative," or "fiction."
* Playing with the reader's expectations: The narrator might intentionally mislead the reader or create a sense of uncertainty about the events.
Here are some examples of self-reflexive narrators in literature:
* The narrator in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The narrator, Nick Carraway, often comments on his own role in the story, questioning his own reliability and reflecting on the events he's witnessing.
* The narrator in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain: Huckleberry Finn, as the narrator, directly addresses the reader, commenting on the story and even apologizing for his lack of education.
* The narrator in "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera: The narrator directly addresses the reader, offering philosophical reflections and questioning the nature of existence.
By using a self-reflexive narrator, authors can create a more complex and engaging reading experience, challenging the reader to consider the nature of storytelling and the role of the narrator.