A Comprehensive Introduction to Point Of View, Part 1

As writers, we often find ourselves lost in the labyrinthine world of storytelling. One crucial aspect that can make or break our narrative is perspective – more commonly known as “point of view” (POV). It’s a tool that allows us to guide readers through our stories while also shaping their understanding and interpretation of events, characters, and emotions. In this post, we will embark on an exploration of point of view in writing, discussing its various forms, the benefits it offers, and how you can master this essential storytelling technique.

What “Point of View” Actually Means

Point of view is the lens – sometimes foggy, sometimes crystal-clear – through which your reader sees the world of your story. It’s not just about grammar and pronouns. It’s about how close you want your reader to get. Want them to feel like they’re living the narrator’s life, or like they’re peering through a window, trying to make sense of someone else’s mess? The answer is point of view.

Now, if you’re a reader, you feel it straight away. Ever read a book and thought, “Why are they telling me this?” Or, “Gosh, I feel like I’m right there!” That’s the POV in action.

Understanding Point of View: A Brief Overview

Point of view refers to the perspective from which a narrative is told – who’s telling the story and how they see the world. It shapes not only what readers know but also when, why, and how much they learn about characters, events, or settings. There are three primary types of point of view: first person, second person, and third person.

1. First Person POV: “I was there…”

In this perspective, the narrator is a character within the story who uses ‘I’ to recount events. This intimate approach allows readers to experience the narrative through one character’s eyes, thoughts, and emotions. It can create an immediate connection between reader and protagonist but may limit the scope of information shared with the audience.

Let’s start with first person – where you get that up-close-and-personal vibe. The narrator’s telling the story (“I walked down the street, clutching my sandwich, hoping nobody would notice it was mostly bread.”). It’s a bit like panning the camera so it never leaves one character’s shoulder.

What do you get? Immediate, raw emotions. Maybe a touch of unreliability, too, since you only get their side of the story. You see the world as they do – and let’s be honest, everyone’s a little biased. But boy, it makes you feel things!

2. Second Person POV: “You were there…”

This perspective is less common in fiction writing as it addresses the reader directly using ‘you.’ While this approach can foster a unique sense of immersion, it’s often seen more frequently in non-fiction or creative writing exercises due to its potential for disorientation within longer narratives.

Second person is deliciously weird. It’s the “choose your own adventure” mode (“You walk into the room. You notice the suspicious sandwich. You…”). This one’s rare in fiction but can be electric in blog posts, guides, or anything that wants you right inside the action.

Marketers love this for a reason – it grabs you by the collar. Suddenly, you’re in the driver’s seat. Great for guides or direct address; slightly offbeat for novels (unless you’re experimental or just showing off).

3. Third Person POV: “He/She was there…”

In third person perspective, the narrator is an outside observer who can switch between characters using ‘he,’ ‘she,’ or ‘they.’ This omniscient viewpoint allows writers to explore multiple perspectives and control the flow of information more deliberately but may struggle to convey intimate emotions.

Third person is the classic. “She ran down the street. He checked his phone. They launched a doughnut into low orbit.” This is the storyteller behind the curtain, sometimes knowing everything (“omniscient”), sometimes sticking close to one character (“limited”).

Most novels, especially genre fiction, hang out here. But look closer – “limited” third person keeps you inside one person’s mind at a time, while “omniscient” might as well be the universe itself, peeking in on everyone.

So why does POV matter?

If you’ve ever read a book that switched POVs halfway through, it’s like suddenly hearing a new voice at a dinner party – you have to re-calibrate and work out who’s now talking? POV changes how you receive information, who you trust, and what you feel.

In first person, do you believe the narrator? In third person, do you secretly wish you could see inside another character’s head? Some writers switch POVs – chapter to chapter, character to character – but you have to be careful. Too many hops and it turns into a game of literary hopscotch. Fun for a bit, then just dizzying.

Choosing your point of view: it’s a matter of style and purpose

Ask yourself: Whose story is it, really? Who knows the juicy bits, who sees the colours you want to paint? If your main character’s got opinions, baggage, and a chip on their shoulder, first person is a thrill ride. Want more scope, a bird’s-eye view? Third person’s your ticket.

Don’t let jargon scare you, by the way. Write as if you’re chatting with a friend (“Hey, so imagine if…”). Play around. Sometimes you start with one POV and realise halfway through that another suits the story better. That’s fine – nobody gets it perfect the first time.

The choice between the three POVs depends on your story’s style, purpose, and audience. Each has its strengths and weaknesses that can significantly impact the reading experience. Consider these factors when selecting a point of view for your narrative:

1. Intimacy vs. distance: First person offers an intimate look into a character’s thoughts and emotions but may limit readers’ understanding of other characters or events outside their purview. Third person provides a broader, more detached perspective that can reveal multiple points of view simultaneously but risks alienating readers from the narrative.
2. Control vs. flexibility: As an omniscient narrator in third person, you have greater control over when and how much information is revealed to your audience. However, this power comes at the cost of flexibility since switching perspectives requires careful planning and execution. First-person POV offers more narrative freedom but may lead to inconsistencies or confusion if not handled skilfully.
3. Voice vs. objectivity: The choice between first and third person also influences your story’s voice. In first person, the narrator’s unique voice shapes the reader’s experience, while in third person, you can adopt different tones for each character or maintain a consistent narrative style throughout the entire work.

Mastering Point of View: Tips and techniques

Now that we understand the basics let’s dive into some practical tips to help you master point of view in your writing:

1. Experiment with different POVs: Don’t be afraid to try various perspectives during drafting stages. This experimentation can reveal which approach best serves your story and characters.
2. Consistency is key: Once you’ve chosen a POV, stick to it throughout the narrative. Inconsistent shifts in perspective can confuse readers or disrupt their immersion within the story.
3. Show, don’t tell: Regardless of the POV you choose, remember that showing rather than telling is crucial for effective storytelling. Use sensory details and dialogue to immerse your reader in the character’s experience.
4. Balance perspective with pacing: Be mindful of how much information you reveal through each character’s perspective. Overloading readers with one character’s thoughts can slow down pacing, while revealing too little may leave them feeling disconnected or confused.
5. Consider the audience: Think about your target audience when selecting a POV. Younger audiences might prefer first person for its immediacy and relatability, whereas more experienced readers often appreciate third-person’s broader perspective.
6. Do you want to be brave? Try multiple points of view. Yes, it’s more work, but you can offer different perspectives, secrets, even conflicting truths. Think of Game of Thrones, with its sprawling cast and endless secrets. Just be careful – the more POVs you manage, the harder it gets to keep everything straight. Readers love nuance, not confusion.

Some Examples Comparing First, Second, and Third Person POV

First Person POV Examples

• “I walked down the street, clutching my sandwich, hoping nobody would notice it was mostly bread.”
• “My heart leaped into my throat as I turned and saw a frightening shadow.”
• “I felt the road underneath my feet. It was dry and rocky. I could hear the crowd cheering. I was going to win!”

And a longer example.

• I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock buzzing beside me. It was 6 AM, and I had to be at work by 8. Groggily, I got out of bed and started my morning routine. As I brushed my teeth, I couldn’t help but think about the meeting I had later that day with my boss. My heart raced just thinking about it.

Note – First person uses pronouns like I, me, my, and gives the reader direct access to the narrator’s feelings and perspective.

Second Person POV Example

• “You walk down the street, clutching your sandwich, hoping nobody notices it’s mostly bread.”
• “You turn and see a frightening shadow.”
• “You always wanted to win the lottery, but you never thought it would really happen!”

And a longer example.

• You wake up to the sound of your alarm clock buzzing beside you. It’s 6 AM and you have to be at work by 8. Groggily, you get out of bed and start your morning routine. As you brush your teeth, you can’t help but think about the meeting you have later that day with your boss. Your heart races just thinking about it.

Note – Second person uses you and addresses the reader directly, immersing them in the story,

Third Person Limited POV Example: (Limited to John’s perspective)

• “Sam walked down the street, clutching his sandwich, hoping nobody would notice it was mostly bread.”
• “The children turned and saw the frightening shadow. They were unaware a cat had walked close to the low-hung lantern.”
• “Jessie saw that Margaret was sobbing. The tears ran down her cheeks.”

And a longer example.

• John woke up to the sound of his alarm clock buzzing beside him. It was 6 AM, and he had to be at work by 8. Groggily, he got out of bed and started his morning routine. As he brushed his teeth, he couldn’t help but think about the meeting he had later that day with his boss. His heart raced just thinking about it.

Note – Third person uses pronouns like he, she, they, or character names, showing the story from an outside perspective – sometimes focusing closely on one character (limited).

Third Person Omniscient POV Example: (Knowing everything happening in the story)

• “As the campers settled into their tents, Zara hoped her eyes did not betray her fear, while Lisa silently wished for the night to quickly end.”
• “John thought he had lost the battle, unaware that Sarah, watching from the shadows, was devising a plan to save them both.”
• “The mayor fretted over upcoming elections, the shopkeeper dreamed of a better life, and the children played innocently, blissfully unaware of the storm about to hit their town.”

And a longer example.

• John woke up to the sound of his alarm clock buzzing beside him. It was 6 AM, and he had to be at work by 8. Groggily, he got out of bed and started his morning routine. As he brushed his teeth, he couldn’t help but think about the meeting he had later that day with his boss. His heart raced just thinking about it. Meanwhile, his neighbour, Mary, was also waking up and getting ready for her day.

Note – Third person uses pronouns like he, she, they, or character names, showing the story from an outside perspective – offering a broader view (omniscient or objective).

Objective POV

An objective point of view is a narrative style where the narrator acts like an impartial observer, describing only what can be seen and heard – actions, words, and expressions – without access to any character’s internal thoughts or feelings. It’s like watching a story unfold from the outside, similar to a camera recording a scene or a “fly on the wall.” The narrator does not interpret or explain characters’ emotions; instead, the reader infers meaning through what is shown externally. This style is often paired with third person and relies heavily on “show, don’t tell,” making it a very unbiased and impartial way to tell a story.

For example, an objective POV narrator can describe a character crying but cannot reveal why they are crying unless it is spoken or clearly demonstrated. The focus is on observable facts rather than internal states, creating distance between the reader and characters that can build mystery or tension.

In contrast to omniscient or limited POVs, the objective point of view keeps the narrator completely outside the minds and feelings of characters, offering a detached, factual presentation of events.

Guidelines for using the different point of view

1. Get cosy with consistency: Pick your POV (first, second, or third) early, and stick with it like glue. Readers don’t like musical chairs with narrators; sudden shifts from “I” to “he/she” can snap them out of your story faster than an unexpected power outage. If you want to shift perspectives – say, chapter by chapter – just make the transitions clear.
2. Make sure it’s sustainable: Before you start, think: “Can I keep this POV up for the whole story?” Second person (“you”) sounds bold and quirky, but it’s a marathon to maintain for hundreds of pages. Pick something you know you can live with – then write your heart out.
3. Keep it real and relevant: The best POV lets you tell your tale with the passion and honesty it deserves. Ask yourself: does this viewpoint make my story feel true, even if it’s outlandish or fantastical? Does it let my characters react naturally, or does it force me into awkward corners and clunky explanations?
4. Don’t spill all the beans: If you’re writing in first person, your narrator shouldn’t know things they couldn’t possibly know. In third person limited, be careful whose inner feelings you share – stick with one character at a time, otherwise you risk confusing readers with “head hopping”.
5. Let voice shine through: Especially in first person, give your narrator a distinct, believable “voice.” Think about how your character really talks and thinks – quirks, slang, worries, all of it. Make them sound real, not just like you in disguise.
6. Experiment, then commit: Play with POV in drafts! Try scenes in both first and third person to see what feels best. Once you hit your stride, go back and even everything out so the reader always knows whose eyes they’re looking through.
7. Trust the reader: Not everything has to be spelled out. Sometimes, a character’s actions or dialogue say more than their inner monologue ever could. Trust that readers will “get it” even if you leave a little mystery.

Keep it simple, keep it consistent, and don’t be afraid to rewrite a scene in a different POV until it just clicks. At the end of the day, the right point of view helps your readers step into your world with you – and stay there, page after page, until they reach the magical place we writers call THE END.

5 Common mistakes to avoid

1. Head-hopping: This is a big no-no and can confuse readers. It’s when you switch from one character’s perspective to another within the same scene without signalling the change. To avoid this, stick with one character’s POV per scene or chapter.
2. Overusing internal thoughts: While it’s important for your reader to understand a character’s feelings and motivations, too much introspection can bog down your story. Strike a balance between showing what the character is thinking and moving the plot forward through action.
3. Inconsistent voice: Make sure that each character has their own unique voice throughout the story. This means paying attention to their choice of words, sentence structure, and overall tone. If you’re unsure about a particular character’s voice, try writing in first person for that character to help establish it.
4. Ignoring physical limitations: When using limited POV, remember that your character can only know what they directly experience or are told by other characters. They cannot know the thoughts of others unless this information is revealed through dialogue or shared experiences.
5. Mixing up tense consistently: Ensure you’re consistent with the tense throughout your story. If you’ve chosen to write in past tense, stick with it, and don’t switch to present tense without a clear reason. Inconsistencies can be jarring for readers and disrupt their immersion in the story.

Remember that these are common mistakes, but every writer is different, so what works best will depend on your individual style and preferences.

5 Key takeaways

1. Understanding the different types of POVs (first person, second person, third person limited and omniscient) is crucial to choosing the right one for your story. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to know when to use them effectively.
2. Consistency is key! Once you choose a POV, stick with it throughout your story. Mixing up tenses or head-hopping can confuse readers and disrupt their immersion in the narrative.
3. Point of view can reveal character depth and complexity by showing their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Use this to your advantage when crafting characters that feel real and relatable to readers.
4. Choosing the right POV for your story’s style is important. If you’re writing a memoir-like narrative, first person POV would be more appropriate than third person limited or omniscient.
5. Don’t preach to your reader! Remember that the point of view should serve as a lens through which readers experience the story, not as a platform for authorial commentary. Keep the focus on character and plot development.

A quick checklist to keep POV consistent while drafting

• Pick one POV per scene: Don’t bounce between characters’ minds mid-scene. If you switch POVs, make a clear break – new chapter or big space – and introduce the new viewpoint early.
• Stay in your character’s head: Show only what your viewpoint character can see, hear, and know. No sneaking into other minds or describing things they wouldn’t be aware of.
• Keep pronouns and voice steady: Don’t accidentally shift from “I” to “you” or from “he” to “they” without intention. Make sure your narrator’s “voice” stays consistent with who they are.
• Avoid head-hopping: Switching thoughts between multiple characters too quickly feels like whiplash. Stick with one character’s perspective per scene or chapter to keep readers grounded.
• Ask yourself: could they know this? When you write a thought, description, or emotion, double-check if your POV character could realistically know or perceive it without cheating.

Conclusion

Point of view is an essential tool that can raise your writing from good to great. By understanding the different types of POV, considering their strengths and weaknesses, and experimenting with various approaches during drafting stages, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this crucial aspect of storytelling. Remember, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to point of view – what matters most is that you choose the perspective best suited for your narrative and characters while keeping your audience in mind.

So, let’s raise a virtual quill to the art of perspective: may we all continue honing our skills in crafting compelling narratives through skilful manipulation of point of view!