---
title: "Omniscient Narrator — AP Lit Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "An omniscient narrator is a third-person narrator who knows every character's thoughts and feelings. Learn how it shapes character analysis in AP Lit Unit 3."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-lit/key-terms/omniscient-narrator"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP English Literature"
---

# Omniscient Narrator — AP Lit Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

An omniscient narrator is a storytelling technique where the narrator knows and sees everything that is happening in the story, including the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.1 Interpreting character description and perspective](/ap-lit/unit-3/character-longer-works/study-guide/HV77xqBpswRVZS48xGRv)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Limited Third Person Narrator: A limited third person narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character in the story.
- [Stream of Consciousness](/ap-lit/key-terms/stream-of-consciousness): Stream of consciousness is a narrative style that presents the flow of thoughts and feelings from a character's mind without any filter or interruption.
- [Unreliable Narrator](/ap-lit/key-terms/unreliable-narrator): An unreliable narrator is someone who tells the story but may not always be truthful or accurate in their narration.