Could someone explain how to identify first person, first peripheal, third person omniscient,third person limited or third person paraphase. I know the definitions but I guess I just need a basic way to identify them from each other-is there such a thing? I have a hard time identfying stories in the point of view. I've dogpiled, googled and everyhting I can think of-I just need some basic rules like if it starts with pronouns and then "I saw him and then it changes again to another person in the "I" and continues it would be.... Thank you

First person will have "I" telling the story.

If there is no "I" then it is third-person of some kind. If the narrator knows things that are happening and will happen that the characters in the story don't know, then it's third-person omniscient.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_mode
This article is very good.

I read the article but I still have a question-can it be third person limited if there is dialogue with the "I" in it? Example: John Jones saw his old neighbor Tom Flannery for the first time in 20 years. "Tom , waht happened to you?" "I had an accident. then it goes back to the narration?

Certainly! Understanding the different points of view in storytelling can be a bit tricky, but I can provide you with some basic guidelines to help you identify them. Here are a few key indicators for each point of view:

1. First Person:
- Pronouns used: "I," "me," "my," "we," "us."
- The story is told by a character within the narrative, often the protagonist.
- The reader experiences events through the narrator's perspective.
- Example: "I walked to the park with my friends."

2. First Person Peripheral:
- Similar to first person, but the narrator is not the central character or protagonist.
- The narrator is an observer or a minor character within the story.
- Example: "She told me about her adventures in the city, and I listened attentively."

3. Third Person Omniscient:
- Pronouns used: "he," "she," "they," "it."
- The narrator knows the thoughts, feelings, and actions of multiple characters.
- The narrator can provide insights into all characters' perspectives.
- Example: "He walked into the room, unaware that she had been planning a surprise for him."

4. Third Person Limited:
- Pronouns used: "he," "she," "they," "it."
- The narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.
- The reader experiences events from a single character's perspective.
- Example: "She felt a sense of dread as she entered the abandoned house."

5. Third Person Paraphrase:
- Pronouns used: "he," "she," "they," "it."
- The narrator simply presents the events without delving into character thoughts.
- The reader is an outside observer.
- Example: "They walked along the beach, enjoying the sound of crashing waves."

To identify the point of view, pay attention to the pronouns used and the level of insight provided into characters' thoughts and feelings. Remember, these guidelines provide a starting point, but not all narratives fit neatly into these categories. Some may blend multiple points of view or use unique narrative techniques.

I hope these guidelines help you in identifying the point of view in stories! Let me know if you have any further questions.