1. Introduction
2. Different Points of View
   1. First Person POV:
   2. Second-Person POV:
   3. Third-Person POV:
3. Choosing the Right POV for Your Story
4. Conclusion

Introduction

Point of View, commonly referred to as POV, is defined as the perspective of how the story is told. Or as Jerome Stern defines it in Making Shapely Fiction, “This refers to the central consciousness that narrates the tale.” There are three main perspectives recognized in POV: First Person (I), Second Person (You), and Third Person (Them). But before we delve into the differences, consider why POV is important.

The right point of view can change a story significantly, and that helps how the readers experience it. I’ve heard many author interviews where their story was completely changed once they went from third-person POV to first, or vice versa. It sounds simple, but think about it as changing the scope of the story. As we describe each type of POV, you’ll see what I mean.

Different Points of View

First Person POV:

Most simply put, the First-Person POV is the “I” story. I woke up that morning and everything had changed. First-Person POV is when the narrator is also a character and shares their thoughts and feelings in a story. You can find examples of this in The Martian by Andy Weir, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Divergent by Veronica Roth. The story’s first-person POV focuses on one character and their emotions. But it is a great fit for stories that follow one character through their journey. Not sure if this is the right POV for your story? Learn more in the post “First-Person POV: A Close-up.” (Arriving Next Week.)

Second-Person POV:

When you’re looking at the Second-Person POV, it’s easiest to think of it as an instruction manual. Merriam-webster online dictionary defines Second-Person POV as “a little-used technique of narrative in which the action is driven by a character ascribed to the reader, one known as you.” Some examples include The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin, Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney, and the Raven Tower by Ann Leckie. Second-Person POV can offer a unique connection for the reader to the story as they almost become a part of it. But it can also distance your reader. Learn more about Second-Person POV in the post “How to Write with Second Person POV.” (Arriving in a few weeks.)

Third-Person POV:

The Third-Person POV is one of the most commonly used and recognized methods of telling a story. The perspective known as the Third-Person POV defines the narrator as existing outside of the story and addressing characters by their name or other third-person identifiers. Some popular examples of third person POV are the Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Explain how third-person limited POV allows for deeper exploration of characters. The Third Person POV has two approaches: limited and omniscient, each offering different character exploration levels. Learn which one to use in the post “Expanding to the Third-Person POV.” (Posting later.)

Choosing the Right POV for Your Story

Choosing the correct POV for your story can be a challenge because of the variables of each story. Consider the genre, characters, plot, and story goal to choose the right one for you. At the end of each post I’ll offer the answers to those questions on that best fit each category. But in the end, it comes down to your story and how it needs to be told. You can also experiment with different POVs to find the most effective one for your story. Each post will also go further in depth of the advantages and disadvantages of each POV.

Conclusion

Choosing the right point of view for your story requires carefully weighing the pros and cons of each option. While Second-Person and Third-Person limited offer intimacy and close character exploration, they may not work for every story. Consider your genre, characters, plot, and overall goals when deciding which POV will be the most effective. Experimenting with different perspectives during the drafting process can also help you settle on the best fit. The most important thing is choosing a POV that supports your narrative vision. With so many options, you will find the perfect match to bring your story to life.

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