What Is Point Of View In Literature? [Definiton, Types & Examples]

Point of view in literature is an important concept to understand when writing stories. Point of view enables readers to perceive the narrative from a particular outlook, which can strongly influence their understanding and engagement with it.

Point of view also affects what information is available for characters and events within the narrative – first person POV gives access only to one character’s thoughts while third person omniscient offers insight into multiple perspectives at once.

In this post, we’ll explore different types of point of view in writing, their pros and cons, as well as tips for mastering each type.

What is Point of View in Literature?

Point of view (POV) is an important literary device that writers use to tell stories. It’s the perspective from which a story is told, and it can have a profound effect on how readers experience the narrative.

POV determines what information readers are given about characters, settings, and events in a story, as well as how they feel about them. There are three main types of point of view: first person, second person, and third person.

Why Is Point of View Important In Writing?

Point of view is important because it helps to create the overall tone and mood of a story. It can also help to establish the credibility of the narrator or his/her reliability as a source of information within the narrative.

Different points of view can be used to emphasize different elements within a scene or setting, and they can even be used to switch between characters’ perspectives and reveal different aspects of a situation.

Furthermore, when used correctly, point of view can be used to create tension and suspense by withholding important details from the reader or introducing new information through unexpected narration. For instance, the first POV can create a feeling of immediacy and urgency, whereas the third POV can provide more distance, allowing readers to see the overall situation more clearly.

That said, point of view is an essential aspect of storytelling that helps writers craft engaging narratives with depth and complexity.

What Are the Different Types of Point of View?

The three primary types of point of view used in literature are first-person POV, second-person POV, and third-person POV. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to telling a story effectively.

However, the third Person POV is further subdivided into three: Third person limited, third-person omniscient, and third person objective.

Here are the types of POV:

1. First Person POV
2. Second Person POV
3. Third Person POV
   • Third Person Limited
   • Third Person Omniscient
   • Third Person Objective

1. First Person POV

In this type of point of view, the narrator is one or more characters within the story who refer to themselves using pronouns such as “I” or “we” throughout the narrative. This gives readers access to the thoughts and feelings experienced by those narrators directly since they’re speaking from their own perspectives rather than through another character’s eyes.

The biggest advantage of this style is that it allows for greater intimacy between reader and protagonist since everything we learn about them comes directly from their viewpoint instead of being filtered through someone else’s interpretation.

On the downside, though this limited perspective means readers don’t get any insight into other characters’ motivations or experiences unless they’re explicitly revealed by narrator.

2. Second Person POV

Second person point-of-view employs “you” pronouns throughout, thus immersing readers in the action rather than simply observing it from a distance. This technique puts emphasis on involving the reader emotionally, as you can create scenes where the protagonist interacts directly with the reader. This gives us an even deeper connection compared to other forms.

However, few books are written entirely in 2nd person due largely because it is difficult to maintain consistency over long periods without making things sound repetitive after a while. Hence its usefulness for larger works is somewhat limited. Nevertheless, short stories still make good use of this style today.

3. Third Person Limited & Third Person Omniscient

In the third person limited point of view, narration occurs outside of a protagonist’s head, while in the omniscient version, writers can provide more comprehensive observations on all aspects of the setting and insights into multiple characters’ minds.

While both versions have their advantages – such as providing greater focus on one individual with limited or getting an overview of what is happening in the world with omniscient – they also come with drawbacks. They lack direct access to thoughts and emotions from protagonists like first and second-person points-of-view do respectively, thereby diminishing impact in some cases.

Furthermore, the third person perspectives don’t offer readers any exclamatory experiences which are often found within active voice sentences featuring idioms and colloquialisms.

As such it is important for authors to use words effectively when employing this style if they wish to engage their audience. At an advanced level, they can use proper grammar, and spelling punctuation without relying upon exclamation marks.

4. Third Person Objective

The final form of point of view found in literature is objective, also known as the fly-eye perspective because it describes events taking place without inserting opinion or bias into the description. This differs from the previous two options since no particular character is associated here; just simple facts related to the event itself, nothing more and nothing less.

While this may be a perfect choice for situations requiring unbiased reporting such as news reports and documentaries, etc. Fictionally, it may not always be the best option because it lacks the depth needed to draw readers fully invested in plot development.

That said, point of view plays a key role in literature. It provides readers with an opportunity to understand the thoughts and emotions of characters. With this, writers can use this tool effectively to craft their stories.

Now let’s explore how these various points of view affect storytelling.

How does A point of view affect storytelling?

The way a story is told can have a huge impact on how it is received. Different points of view can shape the reader’s experience, allowing them to feel connected to the characters and understand their perspectives in different ways.

For example, if the story is told from a third person omniscient point of view, then readers have access to information that the characters do not. This allows them to form their own opinions about what is happening and how it will affect the outcome of the story.

On the other hand, if the story is told from a first-person point of view, then readers can only experience events as they unfold through a single character’s eyes. This can create an intimate connection to the character, as readers become more involved in their story.

The point of view also affects how different events are portrayed within the story. If a story is told from a third-person point of view, then readers have access to multiple perspectives on any given situation. This can be used to create a more complex narrative and explore the nuances of different characters’ thoughts and feelings on a particular event.

For example, the reader may be able to gain insight into how each character’s personal biases and preconceived notions affect their reactions.

Ultimately, the point of view chosen for a story can have a powerful influence on how readers experience it. It can shape their understanding of the characters and events within the story, and ultimately how they are perceived. Therefore, it is important for writers and authors to consider their chosen point of view carefully before writing.

Final Notes on Point of View

Point of view is a significant asset for authors to fashion compelling narratives. Three points of view – first, second, and third – each offer distinct pros & cons, with the third POV further split into limited/omniscient or objective approaches.

Authors must think through their choice thoroughly to make the best decision for their story. They must consider all these options carefully before deciding which one works best for the story.