You’ve been creating the story in your head for a while now. Characters are coming to life and various elements, such as plot and setting are vivid in your mind. Before writing a novel, however, you must make an important decision. You must decide on a point of view (POV).
A novel that lacks a clearly defined POV confuses readers. They spend more time trying to figure out who’s telling the story than enjoying the book. When writing a novel, you have multiple options available for choosing a POV. The key is consistency; once you’ve decided, stick with it throughout the story.
POV options for writing a novel
The following list provides a brief overview of basic types of POV when writing a novel:
- First Person: This POV makes a novel feel intimate and personal. Readers experience the story through the narrator’s eyes.
- Second Person: The author engages readers by addressing them in second person (you) throughout the story.
- Third Person Limited: The narrator tells a story through the viewpoint and experiences of a specific character.
- Third Person Multiple: This POV is like the previous one mentioned; however, the narrator incorporates the viewpoints of numerous characters.
- Third Person Omniscient: You’ll often find this POV in classic literature, where the narrator knows all and tells all.
While it’s possible to incorporate more than one POV into a novel, it’s not recommended. It’s best to decide on a single POV before writing a novel and stick with it from beginning to end.
Which POV best fits your story?
Choosing the POV that’s right for your novel can be challenging. It’s helpful to consider the storyline, as well as how you want your audience to feel. For example, when you want to share the thoughts and experiences of many characters, perhaps throughout multiple timespans, it’s probably best to use a Third Person Omniscient POV; it has the broadest reach.
On the other hand, if you want readers to enter the mind of a character in a personal and intimate way, then a First Person POV is the best option. Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is an example of a best-selling novel that uses a First Person POV. Other examples include “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “The Hunger Games,” by Suzanne Collins.
Think it through first
Before writing a novel, determine which POV is best by thinking through various options ahead of time. When your thoughts begin to flow smoothly and a particular POV feels comfortable, go with it. Once you’ve reached the editing and revisions stage, you can seek feedback from your editor regarding the POV you’ve chosen.
