What role does the narrator play in shaping a reader's perception of a story?

The narrator significantly influences how events and characters are perceived by the reader. This shaping occurs through the narrator's voice, perspective, and bias. For instance, if a story is told from a first-person point of view, the narrator's thoughts and feelings provide insight that colors the reader's understanding of the plot and other characters. This can create sympathy or animosity toward characters based on how the narrator describes them. Additionally, the choice of language, tone, and emphasis on specific details all contribute to the overall mood and interpretation of the story. By determining what information is shared, how it is framed, and the emotional weight given to certain events, the narrator essentially guides the reader's journey through the narrative, shaping perceptions and reactions throughout the text.