Writing in Different Points of View
POV or point of view is a big working tool in a writer’s toolbox. Everything we can covey can be from the first person, second person, and third-person points of view. When we switch from the main character of a story (first person) to a contributing character of a story looking in we call that a first person to third person swap (sic switch). We can also have two characters contributing their own first-person point of view to the same story. The skill of writing in the point of view can sometimes be a difficult skill to master. Practicing the points of view can help any author, either budding or seasoned, hone that skill. With the new year comes new writing prompts. Take a crack at this one in the comments, what’s your preferred point of view to write in? Mine, first-person.
- Point of View: First Person
- Used either in narrative or autobiographical work. The first-person point of view is usually the author speaking either themselves or through a character in the story. Example: “I am sitting here contemplating my position in the company. Here comes the boss into my office and now I’m a dead man walking.”
- Point of View: Third Person. When we write in the third person, we are writing from an outsider’s view of the situation. Usually, this is when a writer uses a secondary character to explain a situation happening in the story from an outsider looking in point of view. Example: I sat there watching him, he seemed to be contemplating his position in the company as the big boss walked into his office. Looks like he’s a dead man walking now.