Point of View aka POV is the perspective from which the story is told. Which POV to use will depend on how you want to tell the story.
First Person POV is used when the main character narrates events using the pronouns I and me. In this POV the reader only knows what the main character knows. Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels are an excellent example of First Person POV.
First Person Peripheral is a supporting character telling the story, but still uses the pronouns I and me. This character is close enough to events to describe them, but distant enough to interpret their meanings. The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald is a wonderful example of this POV.
Second Person POV is when the narrator speaks directly to the reader using the pronoun you. Second person is not that common in genre fiction. It is used mostly in technical manuals and how-to books, however, Tom Robbins uses second person in his fiction and has been very successful with that point of view.
Third Person Point of View has three layers. In this POV the use of pronouns he, she, it or they are most prevalent. This POV is used in both fiction and nonfiction. It is the most flexible and widely used point of view and adds a sense of objectivity to the story as the events and facts unfold on their own. The narrator is all-seeing - the god of the story, if you will. Here is a breakdown of Third:
1. Third Person Limited - means the POV is limited to only one character's viewpoint. Similar to first person, the reader only knows what that character knows. The Harry Potter novels by JK Rowling uses this POV.
2. Third Person Multiple - allows the narrator to follow multiple characters in the story. This can be a challenge to make sure the reader knows when you are switching viewpoints. I suggest you make the switch obvious with section breaks or by starting a new chapter when switching. Game of Thrones by George RR Martin is a fine example of multiple POV.
3. Third Person Omniscient - is the most widely used POV - and if you are a new writer, I suggest starting with this point of view. The narrator knows EVERYTHING, knows things that others don't, can make comments about what's happening, and can see inside the minds of other characters. Jane Austen's books are written in this point of view so she can convey what the ensemble cast knows outside the main character.
Here are a few common POV mistakes to watch for...consistency of use - if you select a certain POV, stick to it throughout. Stay consistent.
Do not give inanimate objects a point of view.
Watch for head hopping or two POVs in one paragraph.
I hope this helps! You still have 29 days to submit your opening of 500 words or less to the Malice Compelling Openings contest. Good luck!
Kristi Bradley, President
Malice in Memphis Mystery Writers Group
First Person POV is used when the main character narrates events using the pronouns I and me. In this POV the reader only knows what the main character knows. Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels are an excellent example of First Person POV.
First Person Peripheral is a supporting character telling the story, but still uses the pronouns I and me. This character is close enough to events to describe them, but distant enough to interpret their meanings. The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald is a wonderful example of this POV.
Second Person POV is when the narrator speaks directly to the reader using the pronoun you. Second person is not that common in genre fiction. It is used mostly in technical manuals and how-to books, however, Tom Robbins uses second person in his fiction and has been very successful with that point of view.
Third Person Point of View has three layers. In this POV the use of pronouns he, she, it or they are most prevalent. This POV is used in both fiction and nonfiction. It is the most flexible and widely used point of view and adds a sense of objectivity to the story as the events and facts unfold on their own. The narrator is all-seeing - the god of the story, if you will. Here is a breakdown of Third:
1. Third Person Limited - means the POV is limited to only one character's viewpoint. Similar to first person, the reader only knows what that character knows. The Harry Potter novels by JK Rowling uses this POV.
2. Third Person Multiple - allows the narrator to follow multiple characters in the story. This can be a challenge to make sure the reader knows when you are switching viewpoints. I suggest you make the switch obvious with section breaks or by starting a new chapter when switching. Game of Thrones by George RR Martin is a fine example of multiple POV.
3. Third Person Omniscient - is the most widely used POV - and if you are a new writer, I suggest starting with this point of view. The narrator knows EVERYTHING, knows things that others don't, can make comments about what's happening, and can see inside the minds of other characters. Jane Austen's books are written in this point of view so she can convey what the ensemble cast knows outside the main character.
Here are a few common POV mistakes to watch for...consistency of use - if you select a certain POV, stick to it throughout. Stay consistent.
Do not give inanimate objects a point of view.
Watch for head hopping or two POVs in one paragraph.
I hope this helps! You still have 29 days to submit your opening of 500 words or less to the Malice Compelling Openings contest. Good luck!
Kristi Bradley, President
Malice in Memphis Mystery Writers Group