An unreliable narrator is a storyteller whose credibility is compromised, leading readers to question the truth of their account. This narrative technique can create suspense and intrigue, as the audience must piece together the real story from the narrator's biased or distorted perspective. Common reasons for a narrator's unreliability include personal biases, mental instability, or intentional deception. Examples of works featuring unreliable narrators include The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. These narratives challenge readers to discern fact from fiction, enhancing engagement with the text.