So, you’re ready to dive into writing your novel, but there’s one teeny-tiny detail you need to figure out first: how the heck are you going to tell this story? The point of view (POV) you choose is like the lens of a camera—it’s how readers will see the world you’re creating. And let’s be real, picking the right POV is kinda like picking the perfect pair of shoes. Get it right, and your story struts its stuff. Get it wrong, and, well…blisters.
But no worries! I’m here to walk you through the different POV options, their perks, and their quirks, so you can find the one that fits your story like a glove (or, you know, a really comfy sock).
What the Heck is POV, Anyway?
Okay, first things first—what exactly is POV? In a nutshell, it’s the perspective from which your story is told. Is your main character spilling all their secrets directly to the reader? That’s first-person POV. Are we peeking over everyone’s shoulders like a super nosy ghost? That’s third-person omniscient. How you choose to tell your story will shape how readers experience it, so it’s kinda a big deal!
Single Narrators: The One (and Only) Voice
When you choose a single narrator, you’re putting all your eggs in one basket—or rather, all your words in one character’s mouth. This can be awesome if your narrator has a super compelling voice. But it also means you’ll need to really nail down who they are, what they want, and how they see the world.
If you’re thinking of going this route, you’ve got three main flavours to choose from:
First-Person POV
Second-Person POV
Third-Person POV
First-Person POV: The I-Witness Account
First-person POV is when your narrator is smack dab in the middle of the action, using “I” to tell the story. It’s like the reader is inside their head, seeing the world through their eyes, feeling what they feel, and thinking their thoughts. It’s super personal, and when done right, it can make readers feel like they’re besties with your main character.
Pros:
Readers get an all-access pass to your character’s innermost thoughts and feelings.
Dialogue and internal monologue flow naturally.
Creates a close, intimate connection with the reader.
Example:
Here’s a snippet from my novelette, Out in the Cold:
“'I could use someone like you.' It wasn’t what he said, but that’s what I took from it. I can’t say I wanted to be used. Tools get used. I wanted something more than that. I wanted touching and the like. Something soft and loving…”
See how you get right inside the character’s head? That’s the magic of first-person POV.
Cons:
You’re stuck with what the narrator knows—no sneaky peeks at what other characters are up to.
If your narrator is unreliable (a.k.a. a bit of a fibber), readers might get a skewed version of events.
Pro Tip: Go with first-person POV if you want your readers to be glued to your main character’s every thought, feeling, and move.
Second-Person POV: The You-nique Perspective
Second-person POV is a bit of a wildcard. Here, you’re telling the story with “you” as the main character. It’s like the narrator is talking directly to the reader, making them a part of the story. This can be a super cool effect, but it’s also tricky to pull off without making readers feel like they’re trapped in a Choose Your Own Adventure book.
Pros:
Creates an immersive experience where the reader feels like they’re living the story.
It’s unique and can stand out if done well.
Example:
Check out The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern if you want to see second-person POV in action. It’s like the story pulls you right into its magical world.
Cons:
Can be jarring or confusing for readers if not done carefully.
Limits how much readers can interpret on their own.
Pro Tip: Use second-person POV if you want to give your readers a front-row seat—or better yet, make them the star of the show. Just make sure it fits the story you’re telling.
Third-Person POV: The Fly-on-the-Wall Approach
Third-person POV is like being a fly on the wall—except, you know, without the buzzing. The narrator isn’t part of the story but is telling it from an outside perspective. This is where you get to decide how much your narrator knows about what’s going on.
Pros:
You can explore multiple characters’ thoughts and actions.
Gives a broader perspective of the story world.
Types of Third-Person POV:
Third-Person Omniscient: Your narrator knows everything—what every character is thinking, feeling, and doing. They’re basically the all-seeing eye of your story.
Example: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak does this brilliantly, letting readers into the heads of multiple characters.
Third-Person Limited: Here, the narrator sticks close to one character, sharing their thoughts and experiences while keeping some distance.
Example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone mostly follows Harry’s thoughts and experiences, keeping the focus on his journey.
Cons:
Omniscient can sometimes lead to information overload—too much knowledge can be a burden!
Limited might restrict what you can reveal to readers, especially if you want to keep certain things under wraps.
Pro Tip: Third-person POV is your best bet if you want to show off different angles of your story or keep some mystery alive. Just decide how much your narrator knows and go from there.
Multiple Narrators: The More, the Merrier?
Sometimes one narrator just isn’t enough. Enter multiple narrators! This technique lets you hop between different characters’ perspectives, giving readers a more rounded view of the story. But beware: more narrators mean more plates to spin, so you’ll need to keep things clear and cohesive.
Pros:
Offers different perspectives on the same events, which can add depth and complexity.
Allows you to explore multiple character arcs.
Cons:
Can get confusing if your narrators don’t have distinct voices.
Might disrupt the flow if not done smoothly.
Pro Tip: Only use multiple narrators if each one brings something new to the table and helps push the story forward. Make sure their voices are unique and their perspectives necessary.
Need Help Deciding? Try This POV Exercise
Still on the fence about which POV to use? No problem! Here’s a little exercise: Write the same scene using each POV you’re considering. It’s a fun way to see which perspective feels right for your story.
Example:
Third-Person Limited:
“Gunter’s morning started, as it always did, at six-thirty am. He did his stretches, prepared his breakfast, then ate it at the kitchen table. One cup of tea, always in a china cup, and one slice of buttered toast with the thinnest layer of marmalade…”
First-Person:
“Every morning begins the same, and every evening ends the same, and I have no issue with either. What excites me is what happens between those times. It’s an early October morning, and I’ve completed my stretches and morning ablutions…”
Which one feels more natural? Which one pulls you in? That’s the POV you should go with!
FAQs: Let’s Clear Up Some POV Confusion
Q: What’s the best POV for my story?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It all depends on what you want the reader to experience. First-person is great for intimacy, third-person offers flexibility, and second-person is…well, a bit of a wild card.
Q: How does the narrator’s POV affect the story?
A: The POV you choose will shape everything—what the reader knows, how they connect with characters, and even the story’s tone. It’s like the difference between watching a movie in black and white versus full color.
Q: Can I use more than one POV in my novel?
A: Totally! Just make sure each POV is distinct and that they all contribute something important to the story. If done right, multiple POVs can add layers of depth to your narrative.
Wrapping It Up: Finding Your Story’s Voice
Choosing the right POV is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when writing your novel. It’s not just about who’s telling the story—it’s about how the reader experiences it. So take your time, try out a few options, and trust your instincts.
You’ve got this!