What fictional character's perspective is featured in Taylor Swift's "August"?

Taylor Swift's "August" is told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator.

The narrator is the girl involved in a brief summer romance with James, who is already connected to Betty. Unlike the characters in the companion songs, she is not given a confirmed name in the lyrics or story. Swift said she imagined names such as Augusta or Augustine, but did not establish one as canonical.

This distinction matters because fans often call the character Augustine. That nickname is a useful shorthand for discussion, but the song's documented narrative identifies her as unnamed. The uncertainty is part of the character's design and reinforces her marginal position in James's life.

"August" is one corner of Folklore's three-song love triangle. "Cardigan" presents Betty's perspective, while "Betty" presents James's, allowing the album to revisit the same fictional events through different voices.