Point of view (POV) is an important element of creative fiction writing as it determines the perspective from which a story is told. There are several different options when it comes to point of view, each with its own strengths and challenges.
Here are a few of the most commonly used in writing with some examples:
First-person: In this point of view, the story is told from the perspective of one of the characters using "I" and "me." This can be a powerful way to connect with the reader, but it can also be limiting as the reader only sees the world through the eyes of one character. "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "The Catcher in the Rye" are examples of stories told using the first-person POV.
Second-person: This point of view uses "you" to address the reader as if they are one of the characters in the story. This can be an effective way to draw the reader into the story, but it can also be jarring if not done well. "Bright Lights, Big City" is a rare example of a contemporary novel told from the second-person POV.
Third-person: This point of view is told from an outside perspective using "he," "she," or "they." It allows the writer to describe the actions and thoughts of multiple characters but can be less immersive for the reader. "Pride and Prejudice" is an example.
Omniscient: In this point of view, the narrator knows everything about all of the characters and can delve into their thoughts and feelings. This can be a useful tool for providing insight into multiple characters, but it can also distance the reader if not used carefully. "Lord of the Flies" was told using an omniscient narrator.
Limited omniscient: This point of view is similar to omniscient, but the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one or a few characters. This can be a good way to provide deeper insight into specific characters without overwhelming the reader. "Through the Looking Glass" and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" both used third person limited omniscient POV.
Unreliable narrators: More of a storytelling tool than a true POV, unreliable narrators can be used in stories told in either the first-person or third-person limited POVs. Information given to readers by an unreliable narrator is meant to mislead or hide the truth about a given situation, character, or event. It's commonly used in thrillers to create plot twists. "Gone Girl" and "Girl on a Train" are two recent examples.
Ultimately, the choice of point of view will depend on the specific needs of your story. Experimenting with different points of view can help you find the one that works best for your writing, and can also be both a fun and creative exercise.
Happy writing!
See you on the other side!
Just for fun, can you make your own narrator unreliable? What does that do to your story?