The first narrator in Heart of Darkness is an unnamed sailor. He is introduced at the beginning of the novel as a member of a group of men gathered on a ship anchored on the River Thames.
This sailor acts as the primary framing device for the story. He listens to the story of Marlow's journey to the Congo, and he then retells this story to the reader. The sailor's presence helps to create a sense of distance between the reader and Marlow's experiences, as we are hearing the story secondhand.
The sailor's role is also important because he represents the average reader. He is a simple man who is fascinated by Marlow's tales of adventure and mystery. Through his narration, Conrad explores the universal human desire for adventure and the power of storytelling.
The sailor's presence also serves to highlight the contrast between the civilized world of the Thames and the savage world of the Congo. He is a symbol of the ordinary life that Marlow has left behind, and his narration helps to emphasize the impact of Marlow's experiences on his character.
The sailor's identity is never revealed, and he remains a nameless figure throughout the novel. However, his role as the first narrator is crucial to the story's structure and meaning.
