Introduction to Point of View

Have you ever wondered why stories are told from different perspectives? Or why some characters seem to know more about what's happening than others? Well, that's all because of something called "point of view" in writing. Point of view is like the lens through which a story is told, and it can have a big impact on how we experience and understand the events unfolding in a book. In this guide, we'll dive into the world of point of view and explore what it is, why it matters, and how it can shape a story.

What is Point of View?

Point of view, often abbreviated as POV, refers to the narrator's position in relation to the story being told. It's like the narrator's perspective or angle of vision, and it determines how much information we get and from whose eyes we see the events of the story unfold.

Example: Imagine you're watching a soccer game from the sidelines. Depending on where you're standing, you might see different parts of the field and have a different view of the action. Similarly, point of view in writing determines what information we get to see and how we perceive it.

Types of Point of View

There are three main types of point of view commonly used in literature:

1. First Person

In first-person point of view, the narrator is a character in the story who refers to themselves as "I." We see the events of the story through the narrator's eyes and get insight into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Example: "I walked into the room and immediately noticed the smell of freshly baked cookies. My mouth watered as I approached the kitchen counter, where my mom was busy mixing the dough."

2. Second Person

Second-person point of view is less common and involves addressing the reader directly as "you." It's like the narrator is speaking directly to the reader, pulling them into the story as a participant.

Example: "You step onto the dusty trail, the sun beating down on your back as you set out on your journey. You can feel the weight of the backpack on your shoulders and the excitement building inside you."

3. Third Person

In third-person point of view, the narrator is not a character in the story but rather an outside observer who refers to the characters by their names or pronouns like "he," "she," or "they." There are two main types of third-person point of view: limited and omniscient.

• Third Person Limited: The narrator focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character, providing a more restricted view of the story.
• Third Person Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all the characters and can move freely between their thoughts and experiences.

Example (Third Person Limited): "Sarah watched as the train pulled away from the platform, her heart sinking with disappointment. She had missed her chance to say goodbye to her best friend, who was leaving for college."

Example (Third Person Omniscient): "As the sun set behind the mountains, the villagers gathered in the town square, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows. Little did they know, a group of bandits was planning to attack under the cover of darkness."

Why Point of View Matters

Point of view is not just a technical aspect of storytelling; it can have a significant impact on how we experience and interpret a story. Here's why point of view matters:

1. Character Perspective

Point of view allows us to see the world through the eyes of the characters, gaining insight into their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This helps us understand the characters better and empathize with their experiences.

Example: In "The Diary of Anne Frank," the first-person point of view allows readers to experience the events of the Holocaust through Anne's perspective, giving us a glimpse into her inner thoughts and struggles.

2. Narrative Reliability

The choice of point of view can affect the reliability of the narrator and the information presented in the story. First-person narrators, for example, may be unreliable due to their limited perspective or biased interpretation of events.

Example: In "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn, the alternating first-person perspectives of Nick and Amy Dunne create a sense of ambiguity and unreliability, keeping readers guessing about the truth behind their conflicting accounts.

3. Reader Engagement

Point of view can engage readers by pulling them into the story and making them feel like active participants. Second-person point of view, in particular, creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy that can captivate readers' attention.

Example: Choose Your Own Adventure books use second-person point of view to engage readers in interactive storytelling, allowing them to make choices that determine the outcome of the story.

Use Gyani's ChatPDF to discuss and analyze point of view! Engage with others, gain insights, and enhance your understanding of storytelling techniques.

How Point of View Shapes a Story

The choice of point of view can shape the way a story is told and the impact it has on readers. Here's how point of view can influence a story:

1. Tone and Mood

Point of view can affect the tone and mood of a story, influencing how readers perceive the events and characters. First-person narratives, for example, often feel more personal and intimate, while third-person narratives may feel more objective or distant.

Example: "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe uses first-person point of view to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing readers into the narrator's increasingly frantic and paranoid mindset.

2. Narrative Distance

Point of view determines the narrative distance between the reader and the events of the story. First-person narratives create a closer narrative distance, while third-person narratives can create a greater sense of detachment.

Example: In "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, the first-person point of view of protagonist Holden Caulfield creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, allowing readers to experience his inner thoughts and emotions firsthand.

3. Revelation of Information

Point of view controls the flow of information in a story, determining what readers know and when they know it. First-person narrators may withhold information or reveal it selectively, creating suspense and intrigue.

Example: In "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie, the third-person limited point of view keeps readers in suspense as they try to uncover the identity of the killer along with the characters.

Examples of Point of View in Literature

Let's explore some famous literary works and identify their points of view:

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger - First Person

• Holden Caulfield narrates his experiences and thoughts directly to the reader, providing an intimate glimpse into his troubled mind.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling - Third Person Limited

• The narrative follows Harry Potter's journey from an outside perspective, focusing primarily on his thoughts and experiences.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - First Person (Nick Carraway) and Third Person Omniscient

• Nick Carraway tells the story from his own perspective, but the narrative also provides insights into other characters' thoughts and feelings.

Conclusion

Point of view is like the lens through which we view the world of a story, shaping our understanding and interpretation of the events and characters. By understanding the different types of point of view and how they influence storytelling, we can appreciate the artistry and complexity of narrative perspective. So, the next time you pick up a book, pay attention to the point of view, and see how it enhances your reading experience!

Get to know your favorite characters better in Exploring Literary Characters: Who Are They?