Point of view (POV) refers to the perspective from which a story is told or information is presented. It influences how readers perceive events, understand characters, and interpret the underlying themes in a narrative.
In literature, there are several common types of point of view:
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First Person: The narrator is a character in the story, using "I" or "we" to tell their experiences. This POV provides a personal and subjective view of the events.
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Second Person: The narrator addresses the reader directly using "you," making the reader a character in the story. This is less common in literature but can create an immersive experience.
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Third Person: The narrator is outside the story and refers to characters as "he," "she," or "they." This can be further divided into:
- Third Person Limited: The narrator has insight into the thoughts and feelings of one character.
- Third Person Omniscient: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters in the story.
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Third Person Objective: The narrator reports only what can be observed externally, without delving into characters' inner thoughts.
Point of view is crucial as it shapes the reader's understanding and interpretation of the story, influencing their emotional response and engagement with the narrative.