Point of View Part 1

It’s important to understand point of view, or POV. Many new writers don’t understand POV and it shows in their writing. Don’t let this happen to you.

Omniscient POV

This POV isn’t used as widely as it once was. It allows the reader to understand all the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Nothing is off limits. The writer pops in and out of all of the characters’ heads. It is the all-knowing POV.

The downside of omniscient POV is that it’s hard to identify with any particular character, but the advantage is that the readers know things the characters don’t and that can create tensions and conflict. Some authors believe that omniscient POV provides a more fulfilling story, rich with detail and characterization. Inexperienced writers sometimes choose omniscient POV because it seems easier to jump from head to head without limitations, but be careful if you choose this POV because if it isn’t done well it tends to confuse readers so much they won’t finish the story

1st Person POV

When using this POV the reader is in the main character’s head and his head only. The character uses “I” throughout the story which causes immediacy and intimacy with the reader. Many young adult novels are written in 1st person POV.

The advantage of this POV is that the reader feels like the story is happening to him and strongly identifies with the character. If you choose to use 1st Person POV remember that your character cannot know, feel, think, or understand what any of the other characters do. Your character can only see through his own eyes. He can only have his feelings—he can’t know that someone else feels a certain way unless that character tells him or shows him through actions.

For example, if we’re in John’s POV and he’s describing an ice cream he might say, “I let the cold, soft ice cream slide down my throat. The day was hot and I was exhausted. I knew an ice cream would taste good on a day like today.” It would be incorrect to write, “I watched Amy eat her ice cream. She felt hot and exhausted. She knew an ice cream would feel good on a day like today.” See the difference? John can only know how he feels and what he thinks, he can’t know what Amy feels or thinks. Unless . . . It would be correct to write, “I looked at Amy. She was fanning herself and said, ‘I’m exhausted. This ice cream will sure taste good today.’” Now John knows what Amy’s thinking because she told him herself and he deduced she was hot because she was fanning herself.

1st Person POV is very tight. It’s ultra-close to the character which is why it’s effective in children’s literature. It allows the reader to easily identify with the character.

Check back for more information in the next installment on POV.