Narrator and point of view

The short story “Self Defense” by Samuel Wilkes is narrated from a first-person, limited point of view by Norman, the main character.

Through the first-person narration, readers gain access to Norman’s internal monologue, which helps them understand more about the character, his circumstances, and his experiences. Several remarks made by the narrator suggest that he is remembering the night spent with Daniel travelling towards the Gulf of Mexico. For example, he states: “I could honestly say I loved the man. (…) I wish I would’ve told him that night.” (ll. 44-45).

The narration is mixed with dialogue, and the narrator sometimes follows the dialogue with his observations:

‘Norman, meet Twinkle,’ he said, grinning wide.
‘Hello,’ I said, suddenly nervous. (ll. 64-65)

The narrator’s limited point of view is illustrated through the fact that he conveys his feelings and thoughts but does not have access to what the other characters are feeling or thinking. Although the narrator sometimes claims he knows wha...