What term refers to the narrator of a poem?

The term that refers to the narrator of a poem is "speaker." In poetry, the speaker is the voice that communicates the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives expressed in the poem. Unlike the author, who is the person who writes the poem and may have a distinct identity outside the text, the speaker is a character within the poem itself. This distinction highlights that the speaker can take on various personas or viewpoints, allowing for a diverse range of themes and emotions to be explored through their narrative.

In poetry, the speaker is often essential for understanding the tone and context of the work, as they provide insight into the emotional landscape and thematic elements. It's vital to differentiate the speaker from other roles, as not every poem features a clear protagonist or directly relates to the author's personal experience. This focus on the speaker enriches the reader's engagement with the poem and its interpretation.