by Have you ever asked yourself why some stories seem more personal than others? Or why you get lost in the mind of a main character in some books. The magic behind this is in writing from the point of view. The use of the right point of view (POV) can make or break a story, one of the most important decisions a writer makes.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll discuss all the types of points of view in writing, how they impact the story, and how you can use them to your advantage. By the end of this article, you will be ready to try different POVs and bring your writing to life!
What Is Point of View in Writing?
Point of view in writing refers to who is telling the story. It’s the perspective from which the events in your story are seen and reported. Think about wearing different glasses: each pair changes how you see the world. That’s the same thing that happens to a story when you change the POV.
Whether you’re writing fiction, essays, or indeed personal narratives your choice of point of view affects how readers of your work connect with your characters and events.
The 3 Main Types of Points of View
There are three common points of view that writers use: first person, second person, and third person. Each one has their own positives and negatives. Let’s explore them!
1. First Person Point of View: “I”
The first person point of view in writing puts the reader directly inside the character’s mind. The story is told using “I” or “we”. This means the reader experiences the events of the story as if they are inside the narrator’s head.
Example:
“I ran down the dark alley, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to escape.”
Pros:
- Deep connection: First-person POV allows the reader to experience the narrator’s thoughts and emotions closely.
- Personal feel: It creates a strong bond between the reader and the character.
Cons:
- Limited perspective: The reader only knows what the narrator knows. This limits what can be revealed about other characters or events happening elsewhere.
When to use it: First-person is perfect when you want to create a personal connection with the reader. It’s great for stories where emotions and thoughts are key.
2. Second Person Point of View: “You”
In the second person point of view, the story is told using the pronoun “you”. This POV is unusual in fiction but can be powerful when used right. It directly speaks to the reader, making them feel like they are part of the story.
Example:
“You walk down the street, your heart racing. You don’t know where to turn, but you can’t stop.”
Pros:
- Engaging: Second-person POV makes the reader feel like they are the main character, creating a highly interactive experience.
- Unique: It stands out because it’s rarely used, making it memorable.
Cons:
- Challenging: Writing in second person can feel forced, and not all readers enjoy being part of the story.
- Limiting: Just like first person, the focus is narrow, centering around the “you” character.
When to use it: Second-person POV works well in experimental writing, choose-your-own-adventure stories, and some types of instructional writing.
3. Third Person Point of View: “He/She/They”
The third person point of view is the most common in fiction. The narrator is not a character in the story but instead tells the story using “he,” “she,” or “they.”
There are two main types of third person POV:
- Limited: The narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character, similar to first person.
- Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all the characters and events in the story, providing a broader perspective.
Example (Limited):
“He ran down the alley, his heart pounding. He had no idea what was waiting for him at the end.”
Example (Omniscient):
“He ran down the alley, unaware that across town, Sarah was plotting her next move.”
Pros:
- Flexibility: Third person can show events from multiple characters’ perspectives.
- Broader scope: Omniscient narrators can offer a fuller view of the story world.
Cons:
- Less intimacy: Third person can feel more distant than first person, depending on how it’s written.
- Harder to connect: Without the inner thoughts of a character, it might be harder for readers to form a close bond.
When to use it: Third-person POV is ideal for complex stories with many characters and events. It works well for both short stories and novels.
How to Choose the Right Point of View in Writing
When it comes to picking the right point of view for your story, think about these questions:
- How close do you want the reader to feel to the character? First-person brings readers in, while third-person creates distance.
- Do you want to show only one perspective or multiple? If your story has many characters with different experiences, third-person might be a better fit.
- Is your story personal or more action-focused? First-person and second-person are great for emotional stories, while third-person works well for action-packed plots.
The Fun Part: Switching Points of View in Writing
And here’s a twist you may not have expected: you can mix points of view in writing! Some stories, too, switch between first person and third person and even change POVs between characters.
One could have one chapter told in the first person by the main character, and the next chapter told in the third person by a different character. Using this technique will give your storytelling layers and keep your readers glued to your story.
But be careful when switching points of view. If it isn’t done smoothly, it can confuse readers. The changes need to be clear and the PVOs should each have a purpose.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you want to get comfortable with different points of view in writing, the best way is to practice! Rewrite a scene from your favorite book using a different POV. What happens when the story is told in first person versus third person? Second person is an experiment worth trying, too!
Wrapping Up: Finding Your Voice
Ultimately, it’s about the story you want to tell and how you want your readers to experience it will help you choose the right point of view. Each point of view will give you a different way of looking at the world of your story. You can go for the closeness of first person, the directness of second person, or the wide lens of third person.
So now that you’ve seen the different points of view in writing, it’s time to practice! What will you start with?
