Writing Tip: Be Intentional With Point of View (POV)
Point of view (POV) is a powerful narrative tool that shapes the way readers experience a story. It's not only a technical choice; it's a lens through which the narrative unfolds. Being intentional with our choice of POV is crucial for crafting a story that resonates with our intended audience. First, let’s discuss why POV matters. Then, I’ll provide you with a checklist of five essential questions I like to use to help guide me in choosing the right perspective for any narrative.
Why POV Matters
Reader Engagement
The chosen POV influences how intimately readers connect with the characters and the unfolding events. A well-chosen perspective can enhance reader engagement, immersing them in the story and creating a more compelling reading experience. In general, first person perspective gets us right inside the mind of our POV character, giving access to their inner thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, whereas third person can pull out a bit with the distance. In third omniscient, readers are somewhat removed from the character but have a birds eye view of the overall situation. In third close/limited, we can keep the readers’ access to the character’s inner world while not being limited to their specific lens and experience. Knowing which will engage your specific readers, in your specific story, is important.
Character Depth and Empathy
Different POVs offer varying levels of insight into a character's thoughts and emotions, as described above. By selecting the appropriate POV, writers can deepen readers' understanding of characters, fostering empathy and emotional connection. When we’re literally reading the character’s thoughts, and viewing the world “through their eyes,” empathy and connection are the natural outcomes.
Narrative Tone and Voice
The POV sets the tone and voice of the narrative. It determines whether the storytelling is intimate and subjective or distant and objective. Consistency in POV contributes to a cohesive and harmonious narrative voice. It’s not a hard and fast rule (there are certainly exceptions), it’s typically recommended to pick one and stick with it.
Unveiling Information
The choice of POV controls the flow of information to the reader. Writers can strategically reveal or conceal details, creating suspense, surprises, or dramatic irony. Skillful manipulation of POV heightens the narrative tension and impact. First person, for instance, allows for unreliable narrators more easily, and can keep information from the reader until the character discovers it for themself.
Genre and Style
Different genres and writing styles lend themselves to specific POVs. Understanding the conventions of your chosen genre and the tone you wish to convey helps align the narrative perspective with the overall storytelling goals. Currently, young adult tends to be written in first person a lot of the time, where it’s less common to see that in adult fiction. However, it is still an appropriate choice of perspective (and common even) in genres such as mystery, thriller, and romance. Of course, like all things with writing, do what works best for you and your story! Even if it doesn’t fit genre conventions or what people might expect, if it’s the best POV for your narrative, do it.
Questions to Ask When Choosing POV
1. Whose Story is it?
Consider the central character or characters... Whose perspective will provide the most compelling and essential insights? The POV should align with the character whose experiences and emotions drive the narrative forward.
2. How Much Information Should Be Revealed?
Assess the level of mystery or revelation you want in the story. First-person narrators provide a more limited perspective, while third-person omniscient narrators offer a broader scope. Choose a POV that aligns with your desired balance of revelation and concealment.
3. What Emotional Impact Am I Going For?
Reflect on the emotional resonance you aim to achieve. First-person POV often creates a more intimate connection with a character's emotions, while third-person limited allows for a nuanced exploration of multiple characters' feelings. Tailor your choice to evoke the desired emotional impact.
4. How Does Each POV Support Theme and Tone?
Consider the themes and tone of your story. Does a subjective, first-person perspective enhance the exploration of personal struggles and growth? Or does an objective, third-person viewpoint better suit a detached and observational narrative? Align the POV with the thematic and tonal elements you want to emphasize. When I’m not totally sure, I like to write one chapter in each POV I’m considering. It almost always helps me get a better idea of which one feels “right”. You can also invite someone to read the chapter in both perspective and offer feedback on the reading experience of each one.
5. Is Consistency Important for the Narrative?
Consistency in POV contributes to a smooth reading experience and it’s why most advice is to stick with one. While some stories benefit from switching perspectives, others thrive on a singular, consistent viewpoint. Determine which approach complements the pacing and structure of your narrative. As a reader, I tend to notice these shifts in perspective (and I’m not talking about head hopping here… that’s totally different… I’m discussing intentional shifts of POV). A Discovery of Witches is an example off the top of my head of this approach. We’re in the protagonist’s first person perspective for most or all of her chapters, but when we’re in the other characters’ perspectives, Deborah Harkness utilizes third limited. It keeps the reader more distanced from the other characters while still giving us insight into their thoughts and feelings, but puts us right into the thick of Diana’s inner experience when it’s her turn in the story. It keeps us close to her, and distinguishes her as the main character at the center of the plot. In my experience, this can be hard to do well, but it’s definitely an option.
Basically, being intentional with point of view is a crucial aspect of effective storytelling. The POV we choose shapes the reader's experience and influences the narrative dynamics. By asking myself these questions while I’m beginning to draft, it helps me to ensure that my narrative perspective aligns with the overarching goals of my story. If this is something you’re struggling with, or if you’re just similar to me and like having systems in place, maybe these questions can help you, too.
Happy writing!
