The Third Person Point of View (POV)

By Olivia Salter

 

Writing fiction from the third-person perspective offers a unique canvas for storytellers to craft their narratives. Let’s delve into the art of writing in third person and explore its various facets.

What is Third Person Point of View?

Third-person point of view (POV) is a popular choice for fiction writers. In this perspective, the narrator exists outside the story and relates the actions of the characters using their names or third-person pronouns, such as “she,” “he,” and “they.”There are three main types of third-person POVs:

1. Third Person Objective POV:

   • In this approach, the narrator remains unbiased and doesn’t reveal the thoughts and feelings of the characters.
   • The focus is on relaying the actions and dialogue objectively without delving into the characters’ minds.
   • Think of it as looking through a window into a stranger’s house, observing events without knowing the internal motivations.
   • This type of POV maintains distance between the reader and the characters.

2. Third-person Omniscient POV:

   • The omniscient narrator has an all-access pass to the thoughts and feelings of any character in each scene.
   • While still providing detailed descriptions of the scene, this POV allows for insights from multiple characters.
   • Writers can switch perspectives (“head hopping”) to show conflict and reveal different viewpoints.
   • It’s like having a backstage pass to the characters’ inner worlds, offering a broader understanding of the story.

Mastering the Art of Third Person Writing

To write compelling fiction in the third person, consider the following tips:

1. Character Development:

   • Create well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and conflicts.
   • Show their actions, dialogue, and reactions to events to immerse readers in their experiences.

2. Narrative Voice:

   • Choose a consistent narrative voice (e.g., formal, casual, or poetic) that aligns with the tone of your story.
   • Maintain a balance between objective reporting and emotional engagement.

3. Descriptive Language:

   • Use vivid descriptions to evoke sensory experiences.
   • Describe settings, emotions, and physical sensations to enhance the reader’s immersion.

4. Transitions:

   • Transition smoothly between scenes and characters.
   • Avoid abrupt shifts that confuse readers.

5. Show, Don’t Tell:

   • Instead of explicitly stating emotions, reveal them through actions, body language, and dialogue.
   • Trust readers to infer feelings based on context.

6. Consistency:

   • Stick to one character’s perspective per scene.
   • Avoid sudden shifts unless intentional for dramatic effect.

Remember that third-person writing allows you to explore the world beyond. Writing fiction from the third-person perspective offers a unique canvas for storytellers to craft their narratives. Let’s delve into the art of writing in third person and explore its various facets. Individual characters, offering a panoramic view of your fictional universe. Embrace this perspective, and let your creativity soar!

Also see:

• How to Write in Third Person Point of View