Key Takeaways:
- Points of view in writing define how readers experience the story.
- First person offers intimacy; second person brings immersion; third person allows broader control.
- Your narrative style influences tone, emotion, and engagement.
- Avoid POV inconsistencies to maintain clarity.
- Choose the POV that best serves your story’s purpose and reader experience.
When it comes to storytelling, the point of view (POV) you choose can dramatically shape how your audience experiences your narrative. Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or memoir, understanding the different points of view helps you determine how much your readers know, what they feel, and how deeply they connect with your characters.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about points of view in writing, from the popular first person POV and 3rd POV to the less common second person narrative style. By the end, you’ll have clarity on how to choose the right POV for a POV story that resonates with readers.
What Are Points of View in Writing?
Points of view in writing refer to the perspective from which a story is told. It determines the narrator’s position relative to the events in the story. POV influences everything: the tone, the level of intimacy with characters, and what the reader knows.
Think of POV as the lens through which your story is filtered. Choosing the right one isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s a storytelling strategy that shapes your narrative’s entire feel.
First Person POV: The “I” Perspective
The first person POV is one of the most intimate and commonly used narrative styles, especially in memoirs, personal essays, and character-driven fiction. In this POV, the narrator is a character within the story—typically the protagonist—who recounts events from their perspective using pronouns like I, me, and my.
Why Choose First Person?
- Deeper Emotional Connection: Readers get direct access to the narrator’s inner thoughts and feelings.
- Unreliable Narrators: You can play with limited knowledge or bias to add suspense or mystery.
- Voice-Driven: Ideal for strong character voices and introspective stories.
Example:
“I never thought the day would end this way. Blood on my hands, tears on my face, and no way out.”
This POV immerses the reader in the narrator’s personal experience, ideal for psychological thrillers or coming-of-age tales.
Second Person POV: You’re in the Story
Second person POV is the least commonly used in fiction, but it can be extremely compelling when used right. In this POV, the narrator speaks directly to the reader using you, making the reader an active character in the narrative.
Why Choose Second Person?
- Interactive Feel: Makes the reader feel like they’re experiencing the story firsthand.
- Experimental Vibe: Popular in choose-your-own-adventure books, self-help, and immersive fiction.
- Challenging Tone: Requires finesse to avoid sounding too preachy or awkward.
Example:
“You walk into the room, unsure of what you’ll find. The air feels heavy, and every step echoes like a warning.”
This POV is great for short stories, unique narratives, or a POV story meant to break traditional norms.
Third Person POV: The “He/She/They” Perspective
3rd POV (third person point of view) is arguably the most flexible and widely used narrative style. It provides a broader scope, allowing authors to shift focus between characters and control the narrative distance. Third person uses pronouns like he, she, they, and them, making use of 3rd person pronouns to establish a non-participant narrator.
Types of Third Person POV:
1. Third Person Limited
The narrator sticks closely to one character’s thoughts and experiences.
“She glanced at the clock, knowing she was already late. Her stomach churned with nerves.”
2. Third Person Omniscient
The narrator knows all characters’ thoughts, feelings, and backstories.
“John felt nervous as he stepped forward, unaware that across the room, Linda was thinking the exact same thing.”
3. Third Person Objective
The narrator reports only what is seen or heard, with no insight into characters’ thoughts.
“They entered the room and sat at opposite ends. Neither spoke.”
Why Choose Third Person?
- Narrative Flexibility: Great for complex plots or ensemble casts.
- Broader Worldview: Allows for multiple perspectives and deeper world-building.
- Professional Tone: Common in traditional literature and genre fiction.
This style is perfect for epic fantasies, thrillers, or historical fiction where a wide lens is needed.
Comparing the POVs: Which One Is Right for You?
| POV Type | Pronouns Used | Reader Proximity | Best For |
| First Person | I, me, my | Close | Character-driven stories, memoirs |
| Second Person | You, your | Immersive | Experimental fiction, instructions |
| Third Person | He, she, they | Varies | Complex plots, multiple characters |
When choosing a POV, consider:
- How much you want readers to know
- The emotional depth you want to create
- The complexity of your narrative
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—each style serves a different purpose.
How Narrative Style Impacts Storytelling
Narrative style writing goes beyond just point of view—it’s also about tone, voice, and structure. Your narrative style can be lyrical, straightforward, journalistic, or fragmented. Think of it as the unique fingerprint of your storytelling.
For example, two writers might use first person POV, but one might be poetic and introspective, while the other might be sarcastic and fast-paced. This is where your personal voice as a writer truly shines.
Experimenting with different points of view and narrative styles helps you discover what fits your story best. Don’t be afraid to test a scene in multiple POVs and see which one flows better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing POV
- Head-Hopping in 3rd Person
Switching perspectives too often without clear breaks confuses readers. - Inconsistent POV
Starting in first person but slipping into third—unless it’s intentional—is a major red flag. - Underdeveloped Voice in First Person
Without a distinct voice, first person can fall flat or feel generic. - Awkward Second Person Use
Second person needs to be purposeful. If it feels gimmicky, try a different style. - Forgetting the Reader’s Experience
Ask yourself: Is this POV helping the reader connect with the story?
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Perspective
Understanding different points of view is one of the most crucial storytelling skills. It can change the entire impact of your narrative, deepen reader connection, and determine how your story unfolds.
Whether you’re drawn to the closeness of first person POV, the creativity of second person, or the range and flexibility of 3rd POV, remember that the best choice is the one that serves your story.
Practice writing scenes in all three perspectives. Pay attention to 3rd person pronouns, experiment with internal monologue, and push your comfort zone. Over time, you’ll find the narrative style that fits your voice