ASK A LITERARY CONSULTANT
Harnessing dual narrative
Using more than one narrative voice in your fiction might present challenges but done well, it can really pay off, says Cornerstones’ Monica Chakraverty
Presenting a story through two distinct narrative voices or viewpoints is a hugely engaging technique that has emerged as a strong force in modern writing. No two human experiences are identical, even down to a language level, and this can form a fascinating insight for the reader into how two fractured threads can combine to create a compelling whole.
This narrative technique is a definite draw for both agents and readers alike so I’m often asked by prospective authors on how to secure dual voices within their story. Although there’s some complexity to setting this up, it allows authors a fascinating means to explore complex elements through multiple perspectives and is worth the effort. I’m currently re-reading Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train and it’s interesting to see how the two different narratives circle each other around life-changing events, building suspense in the reader who can witness the whole picture.