What is a characteristic of the third-person omniscient narrative?

A characteristic of the third-person omniscient narrative is that the narrator knows everything about all characters, including their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This narrative perspective allows for a comprehensive view of the story, offering insights from multiple characters and providing a broader context that can enhance thematic depth and complexity. For example, in a third-person omniscient narrative, the reader might be privy to the inner conflicts of various characters simultaneously, adding layers to the understanding of their interactions and the plot.

In contrast, the other options represent different narrative styles. A limited narrative, for instance, focuses on the experiences and thoughts of a single character, restricting the reader’s perspective to that character's point of view. This makes the storyline more personal but less comprehensive. Presenting a single character's thoughts only further narrows the focus and can create a more intimate but limited understanding of the narrative journey. Finally, a narrative that describes actions but not thoughts is indicative of a more objective or detached style, which may not fully engage with character motivations or emotional depth. Thus, option A embodies the essence of the third-person omniscient perspective effectively.