What term refers to the attitude of the writer or narrator in a piece of writing?

The term that refers to the attitude of the writer or narrator in a piece of writing is "tone." Tone encompasses the stylistic choices and emotional undertones that the writer uses to convey their perspective or attitude towards the subject matter, characters, or audience. It can be formal, informal, serious, playful, ironic, and many other variations, significantly influencing how readers perceive the text and its message.

In contrast, character focuses on the individuals portrayed in a narrative and their development. Mood describes the emotional atmosphere that the text evokes in the reader, rather than the author's attitude. Theme refers to the central ideas or underlying messages in a literary work, which differs from the subjective tone established by the writer. Understanding tone is crucial for readers as it shapes interpretation and engagement with the text.