What effect does an unreliable narrator typically have on reader interpretation?

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An unreliable narrator invites readers to question the truth of the narration. When the teller of the story isn’t fully trustworthy—whether due to bias, limited knowledge, or deliberate deception—the account can mislead or omit important details. That means readers don’t take the words at face value; they look for clues in what’s described, notice inconsistencies, and weigh motives behind the narration. This active scrutiny helps reveal what actually happened or what the author might be suggesting beyond the narrator’s version. It can deepen themes like perception versus reality, guilt, or manipulation, and it keeps the reader engaged as they piece together the truth. The other possibilities don’t fit because an unreliable narrator does not provide straightforward narration, does not eliminate ambiguity, and certainly does not offer all-knowing insight.