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Omniscient Observer

Definition

An omniscient observer is an all-knowing narrator who has access to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all characters in a story. They can provide insights into multiple characters' perspectives.

Related terms

Third-Person Limited Omniscient Narrator: A narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character but presents the story from a third-person perspective.

Authorial Intrusion: When an omniscient narrator directly addresses or comments on the reader or inserts their own opinions into the narrative.

Free Indirect Discourse: A narrative technique that blends a character's thoughts with the third-person narration, blurring the line between direct quotation and indirect description.

"Omniscient Observer" appears in:

Study guides (1)

  • AP English Literature - 9.3 Narrative inconsistencies and contrasting perspectives

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About Us

About Fiveable

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Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.