POINT OF VIEW refers to the perspective of the narrator.
POINT OF VIEW can be identified by the pronoun the narrator uses to recount event.
HERE is a Point of View exercise! – Click Here!
What are the different POINTS OF VIEW?
#1 – 1st Person – use of “I” or “we“
Invites the reader to become involved intimately with the narrator
Limitations exist because the reader can only understand the world in the book from the eyes of the narrator
EXAMPLE
I saw the thief crawl out of the bedroom window. I stood motionless and thought if I moved he would see me.
#2 – 2nd Person – use of “you“
When the narrator is speaking directly to you (the reader) using the word “you”
Feels as though you “the reader” is a part of the story
EXAMPLE
Decide that you like college life. In your dorm you meet many nice people. Some are smarter than you. And some, you notice, are dumber than you. You will continue, unfortunately, to view the world in exactly these terms for the rest of your life.
#3 – 3rd Person – - use of “he” “she” “they“
Broad view
Most common Point of View in stories
3rd Person Omnicient – Can see everything that occurs in the minds of all the characters. The narrator can see all! The narrator can reveal the feelings, desires, emotions, fears, etc. about all the characters in the story.
3rd Person Limited – Can see everything that occurs in the minds of only a few characters.
EXAMPLE
She woke up from a deep sleep to see a fresh plate of blueberry muffins next to her bed. She thought it was strange since she was home alone with her little brother and he would sooner take a bullet to the stomach and do something nice for his sister. Something strange was going on – that she knew.
