The Most Important Narrative Tool No One Told You About

Narrative distance is the perceived separation between the reader and the unfolding story.

That distance is controlled by the narrator, whoever they are.

A close narrative distance is one where the audience sees what the characters see, senses what they sense, understands their emotions, and can read their thoughts. There tends to be vibrant descript... See more

Far distance is helpful for summary; close distance is helpful for emotional rootedness.