The idea of the fictional narrator

Most of us can say without difficulty who the characters in a work of fiction are, even if we have to prompt our memories by looking them up in the novel or story. But according to some theorists there is always another shadowy character that we would not, and indeed could not, have named - the fictional narrator or author.

The fictional narrator or author is not the actual narrator or author - Charles Dickens or Leo Tolstoy - nor is he just another character like Martin Chuzzlewit or Elizabeth Bennett. He is a character that we, the readers, have to hypothesise solely as the narrator of the events in the story, about all of which he is omniscient. We have to hypothesise this character, according to these theorists, at least partly (although there may well be other motives) because otherwise we would be unable to answer certain questions about truth in literature.

Is this theory correct? A closer examination of the reasons for invoking the fictional narrator and of the nature of story-telling gives us grounds for doubt.

These doubts will be raised and discussed by Professor Christopher New at the next meeting of the Philosophy Society on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Erin Serracino Inglott Hall.

Christopher New studied at Oxford and Princeton Universities and has taught Philosophy at universities in England, America and Asia. For many years head of the Philosophy Department at the University of Hong Kong, he has now settled in Malta. He is author of numerous philosophical papers and the book The Philosophy of Literature. He is also author of several novels the latest of which is The Road to Maridur published in April 2000.

Professor Peter Vassallo will chair the meeting. The general public is cordially invited to attend.

Pizza and wine will be served at the Farmhouse after the discussion.