Choosing a Viewpoint for a Story
Understanding the Advantages of Different Points of View
Jan 4, 2009
Before choosing a viewpoint, analyze who the story is about and who it belongs to. Then decide which way it should be told to add the greatest effect.
Choosing a Protagonist
The simplest option is a single protagonist. This character is usually the hero or heroine and easily identifiable. Many stories have two protagonists who should be connected in some way. Multiple protagonists are not common as they often cause a story to lose focus.
Types of Viewpoint
There are four basic options, all with pros and cons. Some genres or characters lend themselves to a certain viewpoint while others work better with a combination.
First Person Point of View
This is when the story is seen from the “I” point of view. It is an easy perspective to write from as it contains the action neatly as well as adding dramatic and emotional intensity. Richard Paul Evans and Nicholas Sparks favour this viewpoint and have used it with great success. Its main drawback is the restrictions imposed by the limited outlook it presents.
Third Person Perspective
This is telling the story from the “he/she” point of view. It is less emotional and intimate than the first person but is probably the most common one in usage. It has the advantage of allowing a wider perspective if more characters are included in relating the story.
Multiple Viewpoints
This refers to a story that is told through more than one character. The main character may be written in the first person and others in the third, or all characters may be written in the third person point of view. The main weakness here is not giving each person a distinctive voice and allowing confusion to arise. The writer must also be careful to balance the characters.
All Seeing Perspective
This is the omniscient viewpoint that hovers above the story. Nothing is hidden and the thoughts of all the characters are revealed. These stories often have the feel of being narrated – that a storyteller is in the background explaining each action as the people play out their parts.
Keep Viewpoints Separate
When using more than one viewpoint, ensure that the story remains clear by using paragraphs, breaks and chapters to indicate when a different character is taking over the story.
When planning a book, take time to consider what viewpoint to use and how many characters, major and minor will be involved. If one viewpoint seems flat or stilted, try switching to another to see if the story flows more naturally.
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