The Narrator

The Narrator stands as the unnamed and physically undescribed linchpin of the novel's architecture, potentially embodying one individual or as many as eleven distinct writers. Each of these authors is responsible for separate narratives, including the overarching book, supposedly written by Italo Calvino himself. The Narrator, central to the narrative, explores the nuanced relationship between writers and readers through a series of embedded novels, each narrated by someone aptly called the Narrator. The Prime Narrator crafts the entire framework, engaging directly with the Reader and offering insights into perceptive reading.

This character serves not only to expose the novelistic tactics of subsidiary authors but also employs these devices himself, constructing the novel as the audience engages with it. As the reader observes, the Narrator reacts with amusement, confusion, irritation, and intrigue, inviting them to partake in the illusionary atmosphere of the work. Despite his seemingly honest disposition, the Narrator is imbued with a sly, devious quality, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Delving into the structure, the Narrator's role permeates ten additional novels, suggesting they are all reflections of himself. The internal novel, If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler, shares Calvino's title but unfolds as an espionage tale, intertwined with other works through printing errors. These include Outside the Town of Malbork, by Tazio Bazakbal, and a supposedly Cimmerian tale, Leaning from the Steep Slope, by Ukko Ahti. However, this origin is illusory, with the novel appearing Cimbric, authored by Vorts Jiljandi, titled Without Fear of Wind or Vertigo.

The plot diversifies further with Ermes Marana's introduction—a shadowy translator and agent provocateur who mirrors a darker version of the Narrator. Marana's engagement in plagiarism leads to subsequent works, including Looks Down in the Gathering Shadow by Bertrand Vandervelde and the confusingly titled In a Network of Lines That Enlace and In a Network of Lines That Intersect by Silas Flannery. These narratives highlight a multifaceted Narrator, enriched by Flannery's diary pages, adding depth to the narrative complexity.

The Narrator reveals that at least one Flannery novel is likely a Marana translation of Takakumi Ikoka's Japanese work, On a Carpet of Leaves Illuminated by the Moon. Subsequent novels include Around an Empty Grave by Calixto Bandera, leading to the penultimate What Story Down There Awaits Its End? by Anatoly Anatolin. Ultimately, the Narrator resumes control, bringing the novel to a close. Throughout, he guides the Reader as either a wise mentor or a whimsical jester, embodying the duality of authorship—the capacity to entertain and mystify.

As a satirical reflection of the Author, the Narrator is likened to the omniscient architect of traditional reading experiences. The narrative "If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler" is only the first of ten novel beginnings. Calvino, through his narrative persona, draws parallels with Chaucer's technique from The Canterbury Tales, where both serve as characters within their creations, navigating storytelling complexities, and persevering in broader literary endeavors.

The Reader

The Reader characterizes an Everyman of indeterminate age, undoubtedly an adult male, unmarried, and initially holding minimal life expectations. As the narrative progresses, he elevates his aspirations, finding greater enjoyment in both reading and living. This character is sketched broadly, allowing readers to project themselves onto him. His journey through unfinished novels mirrors his evolving relationship with Ludmilla, the Other Reader, culminating in marriage.

The Reader's character evolves into a daring figure, navigating a complicated journey from a simple bookstore to acting as a double agent in Ircania. His role is to identify with the male protagonists of embedded narratives, blurring the lines between his original self...