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Heterodiegetic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Heterodiegetic refers to a narrator who is not a character in the story and exists outside the narrative, often providing an external perspective on events.

heterodiegetic

/ˌhɛtəroʊdaɪˈɛdʒɪtɪk/ /ˌhɛtərəʊdaɪˈɛdʒɪtɪk/

Definition:

Relating to a narrator who is not a character in the story they tell.

Synonyms:

extradiegetic, external, third-person

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

homodiegetic, intradiegetic

Common Collocations:

heterodiegetic narrator, heterodiegetic perspective, heterodiegetic voice

Derivatives:

heterodiegesis, heterodiegetically

Usage Tips:

Use "heterodiegetic" to describe narrators outside the story, like omniscient or third-person voices.

Common Phrases:

heterodiegetic storytelling, heterodiegetic framework, heterodiegetic narration

Etymology:

From Greek "hetero-" (different) + "diegesis" (narrative), meaning a narrative from an external perspective.

Examples:

  • 1. The novel uses a heterodiegetic narrator to describe events objectively.
  • 2. A heterodiegetic voice often provides an all-knowing perspective in classic literature.
  • 3. Films with heterodiegetic narration rely on an unseen storyteller.
  • 4. The author chose a heterodiegetic style to distance readers from the protagonist.

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