How does point of view affect a story?
Each person in a story has their own thinking, and each person will tell the story from a different view, in fact, it often will be the same event, but a different story. Consider Christmas morning, what would be the differences in the story if Santa told it, versus the child receiving the presents.
In a story written in the first person, the reader knows what the narrator is thinking, but does not know what the others are thinking or feeling.
In a story written in the limited third person, the reader only knows what one character is thinking and feeling. However, in the omniscient third person, the reader is told what many characters are thinking and feeling.
Point of view is a crucial element in storytelling that refers to the perspective from which a narrative is presented. It significantly impacts the way readers perceive and interpret a story. The choice of point of view influences the level of intimacy between the reader and the characters, the amount of information provided, and the overall tone and style of the narrative.
There are three major types of point of view:
1. First-person point of view: In this perspective, the narrator is a character within the story and tells the events from their own personal experience, typically using "I" or "we" pronouns. First-person point of view allows readers to closely identify with the narrator, gaining intimate insights into their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This point of view often creates a sense of subjectivity and bias since the narrator can only reveal their own perspectives and understanding of events.
2. Third-person limited point of view: With this perspective, the narrator is an outsider who tells the story from the viewpoint of a single character. The narrator uses "he," "she," or character-specific pronouns. Third-person limited point of view allows readers to become immersed in the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of a particular character, providing a more personal connection than a first-person perspective. However, readers have limited access to other characters' inner worlds and may not have access to information outside of the main character's awareness.
3. Third-person omniscient point of view: In this perspective, the narrator is an all-knowing observer who can delve into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. The narrator presents the story using "he," "she," or character-specific pronouns and has access to different characters' perspectives. Third-person omniscient point of view provides a broader view of the narrative, allowing readers to understand varying viewpoints, motivations, and plot developments. It provides a sense of objectivity since the narrator can present information beyond what any single character knows.
The choice of point of view influences the reader's understanding and interpretation of the story. It determines whose experiences are prioritized, how reliable the narration is, and the overall tone of the narrative. The point of view can create distance or intimacy, shape the reader's sympathies, and influence the reader's judgments about the characters and events. Therefore, authors meticulously select the point of view to achieve their desired storytelling goals and impact on the reader.