What is POV?

Point of view (POV) is a literary tool used to provide a reader with insight into the thoughts, emotions, and motivations of a character or narrator in a story. It is a way for the character or narrator to express their personal view of the action, dialogue, and other elements of the narrative directly to the reader. Depending on the type of story being told, the author may choose to use one of several different types of POV.

First-Person Point of View

The first-person point of view is when a story is narrated through the eyes of a character in the story. In this type of point of view, the narrator may or may not be a major character in the plot. The narrator gives their version of the events and details, as well as their own emotions and thoughts. To the reader, it gives the impression that events are being seen through the eyes of the character telling the story.

Second-Person Point of View

The second-person point of view is when a story is told directly to the reader as if they are the character in the story. The reader is addressed directly so their actions and emotions exemplify the story. The second-person point of view is less common than other forms. It can give the reader a more intimate connection to the story as they feel more “in the action” and a part of it.

Third-Person Point of View

The third-person point of view is when the story is told from the perspective of an outside observer. The narrator is typically not a character in the story, but instead remains a neutral observer. While the narrator can give insight into one or more characters or the plot, the focus of the story is not on the narrator’s thoughts or feelings about what is happening.

Using Different Points of View

Choosing the point of view for your story can be a difficult decision for some authors. Each point of view has its own advantages and disadvantages. Authors must weigh them to decide which type of POV will best serve their story and its characters.

First-person point of view is often the most intimate way to tell a story because it allows the reader to get inside the head of the narrator and view events through their perspective. On the other hand, it can be limiting if the narrator is the only source of information and there is no other perspective on the story to fill in any gaps in their account.

The second-person point of view can be great for more interactive stories, where the reader is more directly involved in the action. However, it is often hard to sustain that intimacy over the course of a longer piece of writing. The third-person point of view is less intimate, but it can give the writer more flexibility to explore the opinion and actions of a variety of characters.

Conclusion

Point of view is an important literary tool that can give the reader an in-depth look into the mind of the characters or narrators in a story. Authors must carefully consider which point of view to use in order to best serve the story and its characters. It is a key element to the success of any narrative.