A point of view (POV) refers to the perspective from which a story is narrated or information is presented. In literature, it determines how the readers experience the characters and the events of the narrative. There are several common types of point of view:
-
First Person: The narrator is a character in the story, using pronouns like "I" or "we." This allows readers to see the events and thoughts from that character's perspective.
-
Second Person: The narrator addresses the reader directly using "you," making the reader a participant in the story. This POV is less common in literature.
-
Third Person Limited: The narrator is outside the story and uses "he," "she," or "they," focusing on the thoughts and feelings of one character. Readers gain insight into that character's perspective while remaining unaware of other characters' thoughts.
-
Third Person Omniscient: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters in the story, offering a broader perspective. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the narrative.
-
Third Person Objective: The narrator reports only what can be seen or heard, without delving into any character's inner thoughts or feelings. This point of view is more observational.
The choice of point of view significantly impacts how the story is told and perceived, influencing the reader's connection to characters and events.
12 answers