When an author purposefully includes contradictions or discrepancies in the plot, characters, or events of a narrative for artistic or thematic effect. These inconsistencies may challenge the reader's understanding and interpretation of the story.
Related terms
Unreliable Narrator: A character who tells the story but cannot be fully trusted due to their limited perspective, bias, or tendency to deceive.
Ambiguity: The presence of multiple possible interpretations or meanings within a text, which can create uncertainty or open-endedness for readers.
Postmodernism: An artistic movement that rejects traditional forms and conventions, often incorporating intentional narrative inconsistencies to challenge established norms and question absolute truths.
"Intentional Narrative Inconsistencies" also found in: