The point of view you choose for a story will shape its plot, characters, and theme. Now you will participate in a discussion to determine the point of view you will use. Read part of Jeremy's post.

Question

My story is about two friends, Bo and Tommy, who get stuck in a cabin during a snowstorm and argue about what to do next. I am going to tell my story in third-person omniscient point of view. This way, no one character's argument will be given more sway. Also, I plan to end with a twist, which will be easier to explain with the narrator removed from the action.

Create one original post that:

Briefly describes your story topic, conflict, and characters.
Explains which point of view you think would be best for your story.
Explains how the point of view you choose will affect your story.
Create one response post that:

Offers advice and feedback on a classmate's original post.
Create a second response post that:

Responds to a classmate's feedback on your original post, explaining how their advice feedback has helped you revise your writing plans.
Use the discussion rubric to learn how you will be graded.

Answer 1

Original Post:

My story is about a detective, Sam, investigating a murder case in a small town. The main conflict is discovering who the killer is and bringing them to justice. Sam is a determined and skilled detective, but he also has a troubled past that affects his perspective on the case.

I believe first-person point of view would be best for my story. This way, I can intimately portray Sam's thoughts, emotions, and motives, allowing the readers to truly understand his character. It will also create a sense of mystery since readers will only know what Sam knows, and they will experience the investigation through his eyes.

The first-person point of view will also allow me to delve deeper into Sam's troubled past and how it affects his decisions and interactions during the investigation. The readers will have a personal connection with Sam, which will make the suspense and tension more intense.

Response Post:

I think first-person point of view is a great choice for your story. It will definitely give your readers a closer connection to Sam and make them more invested in his investigation. However, I would suggest considering the limitations of this point of view as well. Since everything will be filtered through Sam's perspective, there may be some details and insights that readers might miss out on. One way to counter this is by adding dialogue and interactions with other characters that reveal different perspectives or information.

Additionally, you could consider using flashbacks or inner monologues to explore Sam's troubled past. This will add depth to his character and provide context for his actions and decisions. Overall, I think first-person point of view will create a strong sense of suspense and mystery, but be mindful of finding ways to incorporate different perspectives to enhance the storytelling.

Revised Post:

Thank you for your feedback! You're absolutely right about the limitations of first-person point of view. I will make sure to include dialogue and interactions with other characters to provide different perspectives and additional information. This will help to create a more well-rounded and engaging story.

I also appreciate your suggestion of using flashbacks and inner monologues to delve into Sam's troubled past. This will allow readers to understand his motivations and how his past shapes his decisions. I think it will add depth to his character and create a more compelling narrative.

Overall, your advice has helped me realize the importance of balance in using first-person point of view. I will make sure to incorporate various storytelling techniques to provide a more enriching reading experience. Thank you again for your insights!