How to use point of view effectively in your writing

Being able to choose and use the right point of view can have a significant impact on your story. Whether you're working on a short story, novel, or screenplay, understanding how point of view works and how to use it effectively can help you create a more immersive and engaging reading experience for your readers.

What is point of view?

Point of view is all about who's telling the story. In fiction, there are three main types: first person, second person, and third person.

• The first-person perspective is when a character tells the story using "I" and "we".
• The second-person perspective is when the reader becomes the main character, and the story uses "you".
• The third-person perspective is when an outside narrator tells the story using "he", "she", and "they".

The author's perspective can change the reader's whole experience of the story. It can affect what they know about the characters and events and how they feel about what's happening.

Why is point of view important?

By choosing the right point of view, a writer can create a deeper connection with the reader and more effectively convey the themes and ideas of the story. Additionally, the point of view can help determine how much information the reader has access to and how they interpret the story's events. With careful consideration of the point of view, a story becomes clearer and cohesive, and it’s easier for the reader to engage with the narrative fully.

How can you improve your use of point of view?

Practice

The more you write, the more comfortable you will become with selecting the correct point of view.

• Write from different perspectives: Try writing from the perspective of a character with a different gender, age, culture, or background than your own or writing from the perspective of a nonhuman character.
• Experiment with different points of view: In addition to writing from different perspectives, experiment using different points of view. Write the same scene from the first person perspective, where the narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" to refer to themselves, and then from the third person perspective, where the narrator is not a character in the story and uses "he," "she," or "they" to refer to the characters.
• Pay attention to the strengths and limitations of each point of view: As you practice using different points of view, pay attention to the strengths and limitations of each one. The first-person perspective can be intimate and immersive, but it can also be limiting in terms of what the narrator knows and can reveal. The third-person perspective can provide more distance and objectivity, but it can also be less personal and engaging.

Reading widely

Reading can be a great way to expose yourself to different points of view used by experienced writers. As you read, note how the author uses point of view and how it affects the storytelling.

• Influencing the reader's understanding of the characters and the event: As you read, pay attention to how the point of view influences the reader's understanding of the characters and the story's events. Does the point of view create a sense of intimacy or distance? How does this affect the reader's engagement with the story? Understanding how the point of view shapes the reader's experience can help you think critically about how you use point of view in your writing.
• Flow and pacing: Pay attention to how the point of view affects the flow and pacing of the story. A story from the first-person perspective might move more quickly, while a story from the third-person perspective might be more measured and provide more distance.
• Tone and mood: Pay attention to how the point of view affects the tone and mood of the story. A story from the first-person perspective might create a sense of vulnerability. In contrast, a story told from the third-person perspective might be more objective and detached.

Seeking feedback

Asking for feedback from other writers or readers can be a valuable way to get insight into the strengths and weaknesses of your point-of-view choices. Consider joining a writing group or workshop where you can get constructive criticism from others.

• Identify any confusion or inconsistency in your point of view: Feedback can help you to identify any confusion or inconsistency in your point of view. If your reader needs clarification about whose perspective they are reading from or if the point of view shifts unexpectedly, this can be confusing and jarring. Feedback can help you to identify these issues and to revise your writing to make your point of view more consistent and clear.
• Determine the most effective point of view for your story: Feedback can also help you determine your story's most effective point of view. Suppose you receive feedback that the third-person perspective is too distant or objective for your story. In that case, this may signify that a different point of view, such as the first-person perspective, would be more effective.
• Develop a deeper understanding of how to use point of view effectively: Feedback can also help you to develop a deeper understanding of how to use point of view effectively. If you receive feedback that your characters' thoughts and feelings need to be conveyed effectively through their dialogue, this may be a sign that you need to pay more attention to the point of view you are using.

Deciding which character's perspective will best serve the story

Consider which character's perspective will give the reader the most insight into the story and the other characters.

• Consider the theme and message of your story: When deciding which character's perspective to use, consider the theme and message of your story.  If you want to explore your characters' inner lives and emotions, the first-person perspective might be more effective. On the other hand, if you want to provide a more objective or detached view of the events of your story, the third-person perspective might be more suitable.
• Consider the structure and plot of your story: As you decide which character's perspective to use, consider the structure and plot of your story. If your story has multiple storylines or characters, consider using the third-person perspective to provide a more objective view of the events of your story. On the other hand, if your story is more focused on a single character's inner life and thoughts, the first-person perspective might be more effective.

Evaluating the limitations and benefits of each point of view

Each point of view has its limitations and benefits. Which point of view you choose depends on the type of story you want to tell.

• Consider the level of intimacy and immersion: When evaluating the limitations and benefits of each point of view, consider the level of intimacy and immersion it offers. The first-person perspective can be very immersive, as it allows the reader to experience the story through the eyes of the narrator. However, it can also be limiting in terms of what the narrator knows and can reveal. The third-person perspective can provide more distance and objectivity, but it can also be less personal and immersive.
• Consider the level of subjectivity and objectivity: The first-person perspective is often more subjective, as it reflects the perspective and biases of the narrator. On the other hand, the third-person perspective can be more objective, as it provides a more detached view of the story's events.
• How much does your reader need to know about your character's thoughts and feelings: The first-person perspective can be a compelling way to explore your characters' inner lives, as it allows the reader to see the world through the eyes of the narrator. The third-person perspective can be more limited in terms of access to the thoughts and feelings of the characters.

Experimenting with different points of view

Feel free to try out different points of view to see what works best for your story. Changing the viewpoint helps add depth and nuance to your storytelling.

• Write from the first person and third person perspective: This can help you understand the different effects these perspectives can have on the reader and determine which is the most effective for your story.
• Vary the point of view within a single piece of writing: Another way to experiment with different points of view is to vary the point of view within a single piece of writing. Write a story that alternates between the first-person and third-person perspectives or uses multiple first-person perspectives to tell the story. Varying the point of view within a single piece of writing can help you to understand the different effects that each perspective can have and choose the one that is most effective for your story.

Point of view can make or break your writing. With practice and creativity, you can create immersive and engaging reading experiences.

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