Choosing Point of View for Your Story: A Writer's Guide

All of my posts are derived from real questions from actual clients. So here's one I had recently: should I write from first or third person? This book is a nonfiction Holocaust memoir. Should this client write as the grandchild or try to write in the voice of the grandparent who had actually experienced the Holocaust?

Point of view (POV) is a fundamental aspect of storytelling, influencing how readers perceive and engage with a narrative. As a writer, selecting the right POV for your story is crucial, as it shapes the reader's understanding of characters, events, and themes. In this article, I explore the considerations and strategies involved in choosing the most effective POV for your narrative.

Understanding Different POVs

Before diving into the process of selecting a POV for your story, it's essential to understand the various options available. The three primary POVs commonly used in fiction are:

1. First Person: In first-person POV, the narrator is a character within the story who refers to themselves as "I." This POV offers intimacy and immediacy, allowing readers to experience events through the narrator's perspective. However, it limits the reader's access to other characters' thoughts and experiences.
2. Third Person Limited: Third-person limited POV follows the perspective of a single character, narrated by an external voice using pronouns like "he," "she," or the character's name. While providing some distance from the protagonist, this POV allows for deeper exploration of multiple characters' thoughts and emotions within the story.
3. Omniscient: In omniscient POV, the narrator possesses knowledge of all characters' thoughts, feelings, and actions. This POV offers the broadest scope and allows for a comprehensive view of the story world. However, it can lead to a sense of detachment from individual characters if not handled carefully.

Choosing the Right POV for Your Story

When deciding on the POV for your narrative, several factors should be considered:

1. Character Complexity: Evaluate the complexity and depth of your characters. If you have a protagonist with a rich internal world and compelling motivations, first-person or third-person limited POV may be ideal for delving into their inner thoughts and experiences.
2. Narrative Distance: Consider the level of emotional distance you want to maintain between the reader and the characters. First-person POV tends to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, while third-person limited allows for a degree of objectivity and perspective.
3. Narrative Goals: Determine the narrative goals of your story. Are you aiming for a deep exploration of a single character's psyche, or do you want to provide a broader view of multiple characters and plotlines? Your choice of POV should align with your storytelling objectives.
4. Reader Engagement: Think about how you want to engage your readers. First-person POV can create a strong bond between the reader and the narrator, fostering empathy and investment in their journey. Third-person limited offers a balance of intimacy and narrative flexibility, appealing to a broader audience.
5. Consistency and Clarity: Whatever POV you choose, consistency is key. Avoid switching POVs within scenes or chapters, as it can confuse readers and disrupt the narrative flow. Ensure that your chosen POV remains consistent throughout the story.

Practical Tips for Implementing Your Chosen POV

Once you've selected the appropriate POV for your story, here are some tips for effectively implementing it:

1. Establish Your Narrator's Voice: Develop a distinct narrative voice that aligns with your chosen POV and reflects the personality and perspective of the narrator or character.
2. Show, Don't Tell: Use your chosen POV to show characters' thoughts, emotions, and experiences through actions, dialogue, and sensory details, rather than relying on exposition or internal monologue.
3. Use Dialogue to Convey Perspective: Dialogue can be a powerful tool for revealing characters' perspectives and relationships. Use it to convey information about characters' personalities, motivations, and conflicts.
4. Balance Interior and Exterior Focus: Maintain a balance between characters' internal experiences and external events and interactions. Avoid excessive introspection or external description that detracts from the narrative's momentum.
5. Revise and Refine: During the editing process, pay close attention to how your chosen POV shapes the narrative. Revise for consistency, clarity, and coherence, ensuring that your POV enhances the reader's understanding and engagement with the story.

In conclusion, selecting the right POV for your story is a critical decision that can significantly impact its effectiveness and resonance with readers. By considering factors such as character complexity, narrative goals, and reader engagement, you can choose a POV that enhances your storytelling craft and brings your narrative vision to life with depth and authenticity.