What defines an omniscient narrator?

An omniscient narrator is characterized by their ability to access and convey the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all characters within a story. This all-knowing perspective allows the narrator to provide a comprehensive understanding of the characters' motivations and inner conflicts, creating a richer narrative experience. The omniscient narrator can shift between different characters' viewpoints, offering insights that a limited perspective would not provide.

In contrast, the other definitions describe perspectives that lack this all-encompassing view. A single character's thoughts would reflect a limited narrative style, while a narrative without character insights would not qualify as omniscient at all. Additionally, a neutral and detached voice does not engage with the internal states of characters, which is a fundamental aspect of omniscient narration. Therefore, the correct choice captures the essence of an omniscient narrator effectively.