Sometimes, it is necessary to have an omniscient narrator, someone who can read the minds of the other characters and explain to the reader exactly what is happening. Other times a narrator does not always know what is going on. This is more engaging for the reader allowing us to sort of "play along" as we discover the details with the narrator. Aferall, who wants horror that is predictable? Wieland, a novel by Charles Brockden Brown, is a shining example of unpredictable horror. Brown pulls off his story beautifully- reminding us how right Mark Twain was when he said that the most important part of a novel is the narrator. Brown uses Clara as a first person narrator – one who does not fully understand the state of affairs surrounding her- an extremely intriguing factor to us, as readers. While Clara may give an inaccurate account of the details of the story, allowing the reader to view events through her eyes gives an added sense of terror. Instead of merely plodding through an account of events, the reader is taken with Clara on a roller coaster ride of emotions. As Clara's opinions and views change, so do the readers.' As an author, Brown intertwines his feminist views into his work. The reader becomes captivated with Clara's poweress- her unending search for her belief in her self. Clara is more than a character, more than a narrator, but a woman of strength even in times of great trauma. Brown's attention to detail in defining Clara's character is tremendous. His assurance in her as the narrator says a lot for his feminist views. This story could not be told any better by any of the characters. Neither Carawin nor Wieland himself could have done a better job. Brown assures the reader that the most grounded character in the novel is Clara- the strong female in the novel. As readers, we end up trusting her and feeling emotions with her.
             A good narrator is one that can a...