Lesson 2 Point of View

Lesson 2: Point of View

Point of view = perspective, the way in which an individual perceives the world Today, we will review narrative point of view.

Point of View Overview

There are two types of third person point of view: limited and omniscient. Let's take a look at the difference.

Third-Person Limited

The perspective is limited to one character's thoughts and feelings; the narration follows this character like a camera man. For example,

Jenna hurried down the crowded hallway, clutching her books to her chest. She could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, their whispers following her like shadows. Her heart pounded in her ears, drowning out the noise around her. She reached her locker and fumbled with the combination, her hands trembling. What if they find out? she thought, panic rising in her throat. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. No one can know. Not yet.

In this example, readers are limited to Jenna's perspective. She is hurrying down a hallway, feeling like she's being watched by classmates. Her heart is pounding and she appears to be nervous. She is worried about something that has happened. Readers don't know if her classmates are really watching her, how they are feeling, or what they know.

Third-Person Limited

The perspective is limited to one character's thoughts and feelings; the narration follows this character like a camera man. For example,

Jenna hurried down the crowded hallway, clutching her books to her chest. She could feel the eyes of her classmates on her, their whispers following her like shadows. Her heart pounded in her ears, drowning out the noise around her. She reached her locker and fumbled with the combination, her hands trembling. What if they find out? she thought, panic rising in her throat. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. No one can know. Not yet.

Third-Person Omniscient

The perspective is all-knowing, and able to reveal the thoughts and feelings of various characters; the narration can follow any character. For example,

The morning sun bathed the bustling market square in a warm glow. Vendors called out their wares, their voices mingling with the laughter of children playing nearby. Sarah strolled through the crowd, her mind preoccupied with the argument she had with her sister earlier that day. Across the square, Mr. Thompson, the baker, watched Sarah with a frown. He knew about the quarrel; his daughter had overheard the shouting and told him everything. He wished he could offer some comfort, but he was never good with words.

Third-Person Omniscient

In this example, readers are able to understand the perspective of multiple characters. Sarah is walking through a busy marketplace while reflecting on an argument that she had with her sister earlier in the day. Readers are also introduced to Mr. Thompson who is aware of the argument since his daughter overheard it. Readers are able to understand how each character thinks and feels through this narrative technique.

The perspective is all-knowing, and able to reveal the thoughts and feelings of various characters; the narration can follow any character. For example,

The morning sun bathed the bustling market square in a warm glow. Vendors called out their wares, their voices mingling with the laughter of children playing nearby. Sarah strolled through the crowd, her mind preoccupied with the argument she had with her sister earlier that day. Across the square, Mr. Thompson, the baker, watched Sarah with a frown. He knew about the quarrel; his daughter had overheard the shouting and told him everything. He wished he could offer some comfort, but he was never good with words.

Let's look at another example!

Let's review!

Narrative Point of View