4.2 Choosing the Right Perspective
6 min read•august 16, 2024
Choosing the right perspective can make or break your story. It's not just about who's telling the tale, but how they're telling it. The point of view you pick shapes everything from to plot twists.
narration lets readers get up close and personal with characters. Third-person gives a bird's-eye view of the action. Each perspective has its strengths and weaknesses. Picking the right one is key to bringing your story to life.
Point of View and Narrative Voice
The Relationship Between Point of View and Narrative Voice
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- Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is told, while is the unique style and tone used by the narrator to convey the story
- The choice of point of view (first-person, , , or ) significantly influences the narrative voice and the overall impact of the story on the reader
- First-person point of view creates a more intimate and subjective narrative voice, allowing readers to connect with the narrator's thoughts, feelings, and experiences (The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger)
- Third-person limited point of view provides a more objective narrative voice while still focusing on a single character's perspective, thoughts, and feelings (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)
- Third-person omniscient point of view offers a broader, more objective narrative voice that can provide insights into multiple characters' thoughts and motivations (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)
- Second-person point of view, though less common, can create a unique narrative voice that directly addresses the reader and encourages them to imagine themselves as the protagonist (Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney)
The Impact of Point of View on Story Elements
- The choice of point of view should align with the story's primary focus, whether it is character-driven, plot-driven, or theme-driven
- First-person point of view is often effective for character-driven stories that rely on the protagonist's internal journey, growth, and emotional development (The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky)
- Third-person limited point of view can be useful for balancing character development with plot progression, as it allows for some distance from the protagonist while still maintaining a focused perspective (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson)
- Third-person omniscient point of view is well-suited for complex, multi-layered stories with multiple character arcs and intersecting plotlines (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
- The pacing of the story can be influenced by the chosen point of view, with first-person and third-person limited perspectives often creating a more immediate, fast-paced narrative compared to the broader scope of third-person omniscient
- The desired emotional resonance of the story should be considered when selecting a point of view, as first-person and third-person limited perspectives can create a stronger emotional connection between the reader and the characters
Choosing the Right Point of View
Aligning Point of View with Story Focus and Genre
- Determine whether the story is primarily character-driven, plot-driven, or theme-driven, and select a point of view that best supports the main focus
- Consider the conventions and expectations of the genre when choosing a point of view (first-person is common in young adult fiction, while third-person limited is often used in mystery and thriller novels)
- Evaluate how the point of view will impact the reader's connection to the characters and their emotional investment in the story
- Assess whether the point of view allows for the desired level of tension, suspense, and revelation of information throughout the narrative
- Experiment with different points of view during the planning or drafting stage to determine which perspective best serves the story's needs
Balancing Character Development and Plot Progression
- First-person and third-person limited points of view often prioritize character development, as they provide intimate access to the protagonist's inner world and emotional journey
- Third-person omniscient point of view can be effective for balancing character development and plot progression, as it allows for insights into multiple characters' perspectives while still maintaining a broader narrative scope
- Consider using multiple points of view to showcase different characters' development and contributions to the plot, but ensure that each perspective is distinct and purposeful
- Evaluate whether the chosen point of view allows for the necessary level of plot complexity and pacing, considering factors such as flashbacks, parallel storylines, and time jumps
- Assess how the point of view impacts the revelation of key plot points and twists, ensuring that the narrative structure maintains and avoids predictability
Point of View for Manipulation
Controlling Information and Creating Unreliable Narrators
- Point of view can be used to control the information revealed to the reader, influencing their understanding of characters, events, and conflicts
- First-person and third-person limited points of view can be used to create unreliable narrators, causing readers to question the narrator's perceptions, judgments, and motivations (The Usual Suspects, Fight Club)
- Unreliable narrators can add depth and complexity to a story, encouraging readers to actively engage with the text and draw their own conclusions
- The gradual revelation of an can create a sense of surprise or shock, prompting readers to reevaluate their understanding of the story and its characters
- When using an unreliable narrator, ensure that there are sufficient clues and inconsistencies planted throughout the narrative to support the reader's eventual realization of the narrator's unreliability
Crafting Dramatic Irony and Contrasting Perspectives
- By limiting the reader's knowledge to a single character's perspective, authors can create dramatic irony, where the reader knows more than the character, leading to increased tension and anticipation (Oedipus Rex by Sophocles)
- Alternating between different characters' points of view can provide readers with contrasting perspectives on the same events, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the story's conflicts and character dynamics (Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn)
- The use of third-person omniscient point of view can create opportunities for dramatic irony by revealing information to the reader that is unknown to the characters, heightening the sense of anticipation or dread (The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold)
- When crafting dramatic irony, ensure that the reader's knowledge does not undermine the believability of the characters' actions or motivations
- Use contrasting perspectives to explore the complexities of relationships, conflicts, and themes, allowing readers to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the story's central issues
Maintaining Consistent Point of View
Establishing and Maintaining Consistency
- Establish a clear point of view from the outset of the story and ensure that it remains consistent throughout the narrative to avoid confusing or disorienting the reader
- When using first-person point of view, ensure that the narrator's voice, tone, and language remain consistent with their established character traits and background
- In third-person limited point of view, maintain a consistent level of access to the focal character's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, avoiding sudden shifts into an omniscient perspective
- If employing multiple points of view, establish a clear pattern or structure for alternating between characters, such as switching at chapter breaks or using visual cues to signal perspective shifts
- Regularly review and revise the narrative to identify and correct any unintended shifts or inconsistencies in point of view, ensuring a smooth and cohesive reading experience
Strategies for Revising and Refining Point of View
- During the revision process, carefully examine each scene and chapter to ensure that the point of view remains consistent and purposeful
- Consider creating a point of view map or outline to track the perspective used in each scene, making it easier to identify and address any inconsistencies
- Pay close attention to transitions between scenes and chapters, ensuring that any shifts in point of view are intentional and clearly signaled to the reader
- Solicit feedback from beta readers or critique partners to help identify any inconsistencies in point of view that may have been overlooked during the writing and revision process
- If inconsistencies are identified, consider whether they can be resolved through revision or if a different point of view might better serve the story's needs
- Remember that maintaining a consistent point of view is crucial for creating a cohesive and immersive reading experience, allowing readers to fully engage with the characters and the story's emotional core
Key Terms to Review (16)
Character development: Character development is the process of creating a believable and complex character in a narrative, showcasing their growth, motivations, and changes over time. This process is essential for engaging readers and driving the story forward, as well as making the characters relatable and realistic.
Emotional Distance: Emotional distance refers to the degree of emotional connection or detachment a narrator has from the characters or events in a story. It plays a crucial role in shaping the reader's experience, as it affects how much they empathize with characters and engage with the narrative. This concept is essential in selecting narrative perspectives, influencing the tone and depth of character development.
First-person: First-person is a narrative perspective where the story is told from the viewpoint of a character using 'I' or 'we.' This perspective allows readers to connect intimately with the narrator's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a sense of immediacy and personal involvement in the narrative. Choosing this point of view can greatly influence how the story unfolds and how readers perceive the characters and events.
Focalization: Focalization refers to the perspective through which a narrative is presented, determining the lens through which readers perceive events and characters. It involves who is narrating the story and what information is accessible to the reader, impacting emotional engagement and understanding of the plot. Different types of focalization can create varying degrees of intimacy and reliability, shaping the reader's experience.
Frame narrative: A frame narrative is a story that contains another story or stories within it, often used to provide context or set the stage for the main tale. This technique allows authors to present multiple perspectives, enhance themes, and create layers of meaning, effectively guiding readers through different layers of storytelling while influencing how the main narrative is perceived.
Metafiction: Metafiction is a type of writing that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the line between fiction and reality. This style of narrative emphasizes the artificiality of the story, making the reader aware that they are engaging with a constructed tale. It invites readers to reflect on the nature of storytelling itself, as well as the roles of author and audience within that framework.
Modernism: Modernism is a cultural, artistic, and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and conventions. It sought to capture the essence of modern life, often emphasizing themes of alienation, fragmentation, and the search for meaning in an increasingly industrialized and complex world. This movement greatly influenced narrative techniques, particularly in choosing perspectives that reflect a subjective reality rather than a singular truth.
Narrative bias: Narrative bias refers to the tendency for stories to be shaped by the perspectives and values of the storyteller, which can lead to a skewed representation of events or characters. This bias can influence how audiences interpret the narrative, as it often highlights certain aspects while downplaying others, thus creating a specific emotional response or understanding. Recognizing narrative bias is crucial for choosing the right perspective in storytelling, as it can significantly affect character development and plot progression.
Narrative voice: Narrative voice refers to the perspective and style from which a story is told, shaping how readers perceive characters, events, and the overall tone of the narrative. It plays a crucial role in character development, establishing mood, and guiding the reader's interpretation of the plot, as it can vary widely from one story to another based on the choices made by the author.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is a literary and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a skepticism toward grand narratives and ideologies, embracing fragmentation, paradox, and unreliable narrators. It often questions the nature of reality, truth, and authorship, leading to diverse interpretations of texts. In literature, this movement allows for various perspectives and unreliable narration, challenging readers to question what they believe to be true or real.
Reader engagement: Reader engagement refers to the emotional and intellectual investment a reader has in a narrative, making them feel connected to the story and its characters. This connection is vital as it not only captivates readers’ attention but also encourages them to continue reading, reflect on themes, and form personal interpretations of the text.
Second-person: Second-person is a narrative perspective where the narrator addresses the reader directly using 'you.' This point of view creates an immersive experience, as it places the reader in the story, making them a character within it. It’s a less common perspective but can be very powerful in creating engagement and intimacy in storytelling.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings that pass through a character's mind. It aims to provide an intimate glimpse into a character's internal experiences, often blending thoughts, sensory perceptions, and memories in a way that mimics natural thought processes. This method can reveal deeper truths about characters and adds complexity to their perspectives.
Third-person limited: Third-person limited is a narrative perspective where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character, presenting the story from that character's viewpoint while describing other characters from an outside perspective. This approach allows for deep exploration of a single character's inner world while maintaining a certain distance from others, creating an intimate yet objective storytelling experience.
Third-person omniscient: Third-person omniscient is a narrative point of view where the narrator knows everything about all characters, events, and settings in the story. This perspective allows for an expansive exploration of thoughts, feelings, and motivations, making it a powerful choice for storytelling.
Unreliable narrator: An unreliable narrator is a storyteller whose credibility is compromised, leading the audience to question the truthfulness of their account. This narrative technique invites readers to engage more deeply with the story as they discern between the narrator's perspective and objective reality, often revealing themes of perception, bias, and truth. The choice of an unreliable narrator can significantly influence the reader’s understanding and emotional response to the narrative.