POV Basics

Whether you're a new writer just learning the basics or an advanced writer exploring different methods of storytelling, it's worth taking some time to examine your choice of point of view (POV). Most writers have one POV they feel the most comfortable with, but that doesn't mean it's the best choice for every story.

Let's go over the different POVs and the pros and cons of each.

First person POV uses the pronouns "I" and "me." First person prose reads as though the character is telling the reader a personal story.

First person allows the reader to develop an intimate relationship with the POV character. Because the story is told as though from the character's perspective, the reader can become extremely invested in the protagonist. Of course, this is something we're shooting for no matter the POV, but it is often more pronounced for first person stories. 

First person POV also creates potential for an unreliable narrator. Because the story is told from the character's direct perspective, the reader has no way to know whether the character is trustworthy. The POV character may be lying, of unsound mind, or simply deluded. An unreliable narrator can create opportunities for some really unique and memorable plot twists.

The most common type of multiple POVs to be utilized in first person stories are simple dual POVs with alternating chapters. The first chapter would be from Character A's perspective, the second chapter from Character B's perspective, the third from Character A's, and so on.
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Third person POV uses the pronouns, "he," "she," "him," and "her." Third person books read as though someone is telling a story about another person's life.

Third person POV results in an additional layer between the character and the reader. In a third person book, there are several layers of storytellers:

• the author, who wrote the story
• the character, whom the story is about
• the narrator, who is telling the story

​The narrator may or may not be identified—unlike in a first person story, in which the POV character is the narrator.

This additional layer can distance the reader, but it can also create opportunities for more complex storytelling. Because the narrator may feel differently about the events than the character does, the prose can reflect a breadth of emotions and subtleties.

Third person also makes implementing multiple POVs easier. When telling a story from multiple characters' perspectives, first person can be confusing, since all the chapters would use "I" and "me." However, third person books immediately identify the POV character by using his or her name.

That said, watch out for head hopping, which is one of the most common issues in third person POV works. "Head hopping" means transitioning to a new character's perspective without informing the reader, such as by a chapter break. When writing in third person limited POV (which is the most common form of third person in modern literature) you are limited to the knowledge of the POV character.
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​Third Person Omniscient
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In third person limited, the narrator only knows what the POV character knows. In third person omniscience, the narrator knows everything. That means the narrator can impart a lot of information to the reader.

This can be convenient from a storytelling perspective, but it can also reduce tension. Writers often create tension by withholding information from the reader. Because third person omniscient POV allows the writer to reveal any information, it can be easy to share too much with the reader.

If you decide to utilize third person omniscient POV, be sure it's because the choice truly enhances the storytelling—not because it's easier and eliminates the head hopping issue.
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Second Person
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Second person POV uses the pronoun "you." This point of view is extremely uncommon and basically unheard of in novel-length works, though second person books do exist. A second person POV story reads as though the reader is the one who performed or is performing the actions. Second person can be fun to experiment with, but it usually grows tiresome for longer pieces.

​First Person Plural

Another unusual POV is first person plural, which uses the pronouns "we" and "us." This POV is rarely used, but one prominent example is "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner.

Points of view like first person plural can be fun to experiment with, especially in short stories, and can help you develop your writing skills and better understand the POVs at your disposal.
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​Choosing the Right POV

Although most writers have a certain POV that they feel the most comfortable writing in (mine is third person limited), it's worth assessing each story to determine whether your "usual" POV is the best pick. Consider whether the story will have multiple POVs, and think about whether you might utilize an unreliable narrator.

Also remember that POV is more than just pronouns. So if you decide to change your story's point of view, you'll need to do more than replace "I" with "she." If you don't believe me, picture a scene in your mind. Write the scene in first person. Then stop, get a blank sheet of paper, and write the exact same scene in third person. You may be surprised how different they are.

Another point to remember is that we tend to feel most comfortable writing in the POV we're used to reading in. So if you read lots of third person, branch out and try a first person book! You may find the experience opens you up to writing in a different POV and expanding your writing tool kit.

Happy writing!

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