Fiction Writing: Point of View Basics by Olivia Salter

 Point of view is one of the most essential elements in the craft of fiction. It serves as the lens through which both storytellers and readers perceive the narrative world. By choosing a specific point of view, writers can determine how readers interact with the characters, plot, and themes of their stories. Point of view influences the way readers experience the story, enabling them to see, hear, feel, smell, and taste the events from particular conscious and sensory perspectives.

In contemporary fiction, the evolution of characters' perceptions often plays a central role in the narrative arc. The choice of point of view is crucial in shaping how readers connect with characters and their journeys of growth and change. The narrator's perspective influences the content of the story, guiding readers through the narrative landscape and shaping their understanding of the characters and events unfolding before them.

A key decision that writers must make is determining who will tell the story. The narrator can be a character within the story (first-person point of view), an outside observer with limited knowledge of the characters' thoughts and feelings (third-person limited point of view), or an all-knowing entity with insights into all characters and events (third-person omniscient point of view). Each perspective offers unique advantages and challenges, influencing the reader's immersion in the story and their emotional engagement with the characters. 

A first-person point of view allows readers to experience the story directly through the eyes of a specific character, creating an intimate and immediate connection with their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This perspective can offer a deep insight into the protagonist's inner world, fostering empathy and understanding between readers and characters. However, it may limit readers' access to other characters' perspectives and the broader events of the story. 

A third-person point of view, whether limited or omniscient, offers a more expansive view of the narrative world, allowing readers to follow multiple characters and storylines simultaneously. This perspective can provide a comprehensive understanding of the story's complexities and nuances, offering readers a broader perspective on the characters and events. However, it may create emotional distance between readers and characters, reducing the immediacy and intimacy of the storytelling experience.

The choice of point of view is a powerful tool that writers can use to shape the reader's engagement with the story. By selecting the appropriate perspective, writers can enhance the emotional impact of their narratives, deepen readers' connections to the characters, and guide them through the intricate web of plot twists and revelations. Point of view is a fundamental element that writers must consider carefully, as it plays a vital role in shaping the content, structure, and impact of their fiction.