By Mishal Ahmed Abbasi

When we open a novel, we usually trust the narrator without question. We follow their voice, see through their eyes, and accept their version of the world. But what happens when that trust is broken? When the person guiding us through the story hides something from us? This is where unreliable narration enters—a narrative technique that challenges readers to understand and experience stories.

Unreliable narrators are not always intentional liars. Most of the cases, they believe in their own versions. They shape reality according to their fears, emotions, and experiences. This makes unreliable narration more than a literary device; it reflects how human perception itself can be fragile and distorted. In contemporary literature, writers often use this technique to explore the complexity of the human mind and to keep readers questioning what is real.

One of the most striking examples of this can be found in Alex Michaelides’s The Silent Patient. At first, the story seems to be a psychological mystery, which is simply in its typical structure. The entire narrative is told through the voice of Theo Faber, a therapist who seems calm, intelligent, and compassionate. He presents himself as someone who wants to help Alicia Berenson; a famous painter accused of murdering her husband. Because Theo’s voice is convincing, readers naturally trust him.

However, as the story progresses, small cracks begin to appear. Theo’s past slowly comes to light and his emotions become more obsessive. Although his tone remains calm, the meaning of his words starts to shift. It becomes clear that he is not just a concerned therapist but a deeply flawed man hiding his own darkness. What makes this narration so effective is that Theo never openly lies. Instead, he presents events from his perspective. This way it carefully hides the truth until the very end.

This technique keeps readers close to him, emotionally and mentally. We trust him and interpret everything through his narrative. So when the truth is revealed that Theo was the intruder who shattered Alicia’s life. This feels like a personal betrayal. We were part of his story, we believe everything he told us, and that is exactly why the twist works so powerfully.

Theo’s narration shows how guilt and obsession can shape a person’s version of reality. He does not simply deceive the reader; he deceives himself. His voice reflects a man trying to justify his actions and protect his self-image. This makes him a complex character, and it turns the story into something more than just a mystery. It becomes an exploration of how fragile truth can be when filtered through one person’s mind.

This use of unreliable narrators is not new. Classic works like The Great Gatsby and Lolita also use narrators who present distorted versions of events. But in contemporary literature, the technique has taken on a more psychological focus. Writers use it not just to surprise readers but to explore the complexities of memory, trauma, and self-perception. It can be seen as a device that keeps the reader guessing to the very end. This technique keeps readers in a constant state of doubt and curiosity.

What makes The Silent Patient stand out is how real it feels. Theo does not sound like a villain. He sounds like someone human who is flawed, emotional, and desperate to be understood. That is why we believe him. His narration reminds us that unreliable narrators work best when they are most relatable.

In today’s world, where truth is often shaped by personal perception and emotion, stories like The Silent Patient feel especially relevant. They remind us to question what we are told, to look for what is hidden beneath the surface. Unreliable narration isn’t just about plot twists. It is about how stories reflect the way people sometimes protect themselves from facing painful realities.

Theo’s voice makes them feel safe and then turns everything upside down. This is why unreliable narration makes the reader active rather than passive. It forces us to think, to question, and to accept that truth is not always straightforward. It is a mirror of how human beings can hide behind their own narratives. And that is exactly why Theo Faber stays with readers long after the last page is turned.

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Mishal Ahmed Abbasi is a literature student who is passionate about narrative techniques and psychological fiction. She believes stories have the power to make readers question their understanding of truth and human behavior.