Types of Narrators Worksheet

Question 1: First-Person Narrator

"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the giant chocolate bar on my desk. Who could have left it there? I looked around the classroom, but everyone seemed busy with their work."

What words in this excerpt show that it's written in first-person? How do you know the narrator is part of the story?

Question 2: Third-Person Limited Narrator

"Sarah felt butterflies in her stomach as she approached the stage. She wondered if she would remember all her lines. The audience's eyes were all on her, but she couldn't tell what they were thinking."

How does this excerpt show that the narrator can only see into Sarah's thoughts and feelings?

Question 3: Third-Person Omniscient Narrator

"As Mark played video games in his room, his mother worried about his grades in the kitchen. Neither of them knew that at that very moment, a surprise visitor was walking up their driveway."

How does this narrator show knowledge of multiple characters' thoughts and actions, as well as events unknown to the characters?

Question 4: Identifying the Narrator

"The old castle loomed before them, its dark windows like eyes watching their every move. Tom gulped and whispered, 'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.' But Emily was already moving forward, her curiosity stronger than her fear."

What type of narrator is used in this excerpt? Explain your reasoning.

Question 5: First-Person vs. Third-Person

"The sun was setting as we reached the top of the hill. I could see for miles in every direction. It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen."

How would this excerpt change if it was written in third-person? Rewrite the first sentence to show the difference.

Question 6: Third-Person Limited Perspective

"Jake held his breath as he tiptoed past the sleeping dog. He prayed it wouldn't wake up and start barking. Little did he know, the dog was actually wide awake and just pretending to sleep."

Why is the last sentence surprising in a third-person limited narrative? How does it change what we know about the narrator?

Question 7: Omniscient Narrator's Knowledge

"While Mrs. Johnson taught math, Timmy daydreamed about lunch, Lisa worried about her upcoming dentist appointment, and the class hamster plotted its upcoming escape."

How does this excerpt demonstrate the wide-ranging knowledge of an omniscient narrator?

Question 8: Changing Perspectives

"I never thought I'd win the race," said Emma, beaming with pride. She had no idea that her best friend, standing in the crowd, was fighting back tears of disappointment.

This excerpt combines two types of narration. Identify them and explain how they work together.

Question 9: Narrator's Influence

"Of course, if Bobby had known what was waiting for him around the corner, he might have taken a different route home. But he didn't know, and that's what made all the difference."

How does the narrator in this excerpt shape the reader's expectations? What type of narrator allows for this kind of foreshadowing?

Question 10: Your Turn to Narrate

Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about a student's first day at a new school. Use any type of narrator you choose, but make sure it's clear which type you're using.