Standard Points of View in Fictional Stories
Point of view (POV) is the perspective from which a story is told. It is the narrator’s position in relation to the story. There are three main types of POV in fiction, first person, second person, and third person.
Standard Points of View for Fictional Stories
In order to deliver an effective point of view for a fictional story, it’s necessary to have a clear understanding of what each is and how they differ from one another. Here are some key steps to create an effective point of view in a fictional story:
- First person: The narrator is a character in the story and uses the pronouns “I” and “me.” This gives the reader a very intimate look at the character’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Second person: The narrator addresses the reader directly, using the pronoun “you.” This POV is rare and can be difficult to pull off successfully.
- Third person: The narrator is an outside observer who tells the story from the perspective of one or more characters. There are three subtypes of third-person POV:
- Third person omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all the characters and events in the story.
- Third person limited: The narrator only knows what one character knows.
- Third person objective: The narrator only reports what can be seen and heard, without revealing the characters’ thoughts or feelings.
The most popular point of view used in fiction is third-person limited. This point of view allows the reader to see the events of the story from the perspective of a single character, but the narrator does not have access to the thoughts and feelings of other characters.
This gives the reader a more intimate look into the mind of the protagonist, but it also allows the reader to see the events from a more objective perspective. Here are some examples of popular books that are written in third-person limited:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Ultimately, the best point of view for a particular story will depend on the genre, the plot, and the characters. Although, third-person limited is a versatile point of view that can be used in a wide variety of stories.
Considerations about Establishing a Point of View
Before deciding on a point of view, it’s a good idea to take a few dynamics into account so the storytelling remains consistent. When choosing a POV for your story, consider the following factors:
- What effect do you want to have on your readers? First person POV can create a strong sense of identification with the protagonist, while third person limited can create suspense by withholding information from the reader.
- What kind of story are you telling? Some stories, such as coming-of-age stories or thrillers, are better suited to first person POV. Other stories, such as historical fiction or epic fantasy, may require the objectivity of third person omniscient POV.
- Your own writing style. Some writers are more comfortable writing in first person, while others prefer third person. Experiment with different POVs until you find one that feels natural to you.
Here are some additional tips for creating a strong point of view in your fiction that can be a lot of help when writing and also draw in the reader:
- Use vivid language and sensory details to bring the story to life. Let the reader see, hear, smell, taste, and feel what your characters are experiencing.
- Be consistent with your use of pronouns. If you are writing in first person, make sure to use the pronoun “I” throughout the story. If you are writing in third person, make sure to use the correct pronouns for each character.
- Don’t reveal too much too soon. Let the reader discover the story along with the characters.
- Trust your instincts. If a particular POV feels right to you, go with it.
Additionally, use dialogue and inner monologue. Dialogue and inner monologue are powerful tools for revealing a character’s thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. Utilize them effectively to enhance the chosen point of view.
Dialogue can bring characters to life and provide insight into their motivations, while inner monologue offers a glimpse into their internal world.
Remember, the point of view you select significantly influences the reader’s experience of the story. Thoughtfully consider the narrative needs, character dynamics, and thematic goals to create a point of view that enhances the impact and effectiveness of your fictional story.
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Owen is the creator and author of more than sixty original short stories and counting, including drama, crime, suspense, action and adventure, family, historic fiction, sci-fi, and slices of life. He is also a musician who has written extensively about theory.
