Use Narrative to Connect Readers to a Novel

Deep Point of View Makes Third Person Feel Like First Person

Oct 7, 2009

Deep point of view cuts out filters, telling, and other poor writing techniques to pull the reader into the mind of the protagonist.

When it comes to writing a novel, many authors begin by identifying which point of view (POV) to use. With a deep POV, the writer strives to make a third person narrative feel more like a first person narrative. An author can only establish a deep POV if he or she understands how to write from a single perspective without hopping heads.

Fundamentals of POV in a Novel

Point of view establishes the narrator telling the story. In a third person POV, a writer uses third person pronouns like his and her to identify the narrative style he or she is using. Usually, editors refer to this as third person limited.

The difference between limited point of view and deep point of view doesn’t relate to the pronouns, but rather to the way in which the author conveys the information from that POV to the reader.

The Use of Filters in Writing

One of the main differences between a limited POV and a deep one is the use of filters. A filter, sometimes called a gawking character, is any word a writer uses to clarify a sentence. Common examples include the following phrases:

In a deep point of view, an author establishes that everything thought, seen, heard, decided or felt comes from the narrator’s perspective. When done correctly, a writer can remove the filter and the scene will still work.

Pacing for Deep POV

Using a deep POV can pull a reader into a scene, but if a writer overuses the technique, it can become irritating to the reader. When to use a deep perspective is subjective, but there are times when it works better. For example, moments with a high amount of tension or suspension work well when a writer switches to a deep point of view. The sentences become shorter, the perspective tighter, and the scene carries more weight.

In most cases, a writer will want to blend limited third person with a deep perspective. This can prevent the overuse of too much internal dialogue, which can slow the pace or fall into the category of telling instead of showing.

Elements of a Novel

Aside from deep POV, a writer needs to have an understanding of the elements that go into a novel. These can include pacing, plot, and dialogue. Writers who want to learn more about a deep point of view can find practical tips from Keelia Greer who is a member of the Houston Bay Romance Writers Association.

The copyright of the article Use Narrative to Connect Readers to a Novel in Writing Techniques is owned by Tara McClendon. Permission to republish Use Narrative to Connect Readers to a Novel in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.