Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Reliability in literature refers to the trustworthiness or credibility of a source, such as a narrator or an author's portrayal of events. A reliable source provides accurate information without bias or distortion.
Related terms
Veracity: Veracity relates to truthfulness and accuracy in storytelling. A reliable narrative has high veracity because it presents events honestly.
Authenticity: Authenticity refers to whether something is genuine or real. In literature, an authentic portrayal reflects reality accurately without embellishment.
Credibility: Credibility pertains to how believable something is based on evidence or reputation. A reliable source or narrative has high credibility.