7 Clear Examples of Third Person Point of View in Literature

Published on 23 April 2025 8 min read

Third Person Point of View in Harry Potter Series
Third Person Point of View in Pride and Prejudice
Third Person Point of View in Lord of the Rings
Third Person Point of View in To Kill a Mockingbird
Third Person Point of View in Game of Thrones
Third Person Point of View in The Great Gatsby
Third Person Point of View in Moby Dick

Let's dive into the world of literature and explore the magic of the third-person point of view. This perspective gives us as readers the chance to see things unfold from an observer's angle, making us feel like we're part of the story but still maintaining a certain distance. In this blog, we're going to journey through 7 clear examples of the 3rd person point of view in literature. These examples will showcase how this narrative technique can be used to create different effects and deepen the reader's engagement with the story.

Third Person Point of View in Harry Potter Series

Let's start our journey with the globally beloved Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling. The series is a treasure trove of 3rd point of view examples — it allows us to understand the wizarding world from the perspective of an unseen narrator.

For instance, in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", the opening chapter is told from the perspective of the Dursleys. This technique offers us an outsider's outlook on the strange events that are about to unfold, which is quite a clever way to introduce the magical elements of the story.

Throughout the series, Rowling continues with the third-person narrative, but she concentrates mainly on Harry's experiences. This focus on Harry, while still maintaining a third-person narrative, is an example of third-person limited point of view. And it's efficient! It keeps us connected to Harry's thoughts and feelings without making us lose sight of the broader wizarding world.

Let's look at some specifics:

Example 1: "Harry — yer a wizard."
Example 2: "Harry felt a great leap of excitement."
Example 3: "He couldn't know that at this very moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and saying in hushed voices: 'To Harry Potter — the boy who lived!'"

These examples reveal how Rowling uses the third person point of view to create a balance between Harry’s emotions and actions and the unfolding events in the larger wizarding world. It's a brilliant way to bring depth to the narrative and make the tale more engaging for the readers.

So, if you're keen on exploring more 3rd point of view examples, the Harry Potter series is a great place to start. It's not just about magic and adventure — it's also an excellent study in the art of storytelling!

Third Person Point of View in Pride and Prejudice

Next, let's take a leap back in time and visit the Regency era with Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice. Austen's use of the third-person point of view is a textbook example of how this perspective can lend depth and richness to the story.

In Pride and Prejudice, Austen uses a third-person omniscient narrator, giving the reader insights into the minds and hearts of all characters. This narrative style allows us to understand the various social and personal pressures that influence the characters' decisions. More importantly, it also lets us see the irony and humor in situations that the characters themselves might not fully grasp.

Here are a few 3rd point of view examples from the novel:

Example 1: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
Example 2: "Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her."
Example 3: "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

The examples above not only convey the events but also provide us with an understanding of the characters' inner thoughts and feelings. The third-person point of view, in this case, serves as a window into the characters' minds, making the narrative more engaging and relatable.

So, if you want to study the third person point of view in action, Pride and Prejudice is a must-read. Not only will you get to enjoy a classic tale of love and misunderstanding, but you'll also get a masterclass in the use of the third-person narrative!

Third Person Point of View in Lord of the Rings

Now, let's take a magical journey to Middle Earth with J.R.R. Tolkien's epic, Lord of the Rings. If you're looking for an outstanding example of the third person point of view, this series has got you covered.

Tolkien uses a third-person omniscient narrative in his books. This allows him to describe the vast world of Middle Earth and its many inhabitants in great detail. It also enables him to weave multiple storylines together seamlessly.

Here are some 3rd point of view examples from this epic adventure:

Example 1: "Frodo felt a sudden chill running through him and clutching at his heart; there was a deadly cold, like the memory of an old wound, in his shoulder."
Example 2: "Gandalf did not move. And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the City, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of wizardry or war, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn."
Example 3: "Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him."

The above examples show how the third person point of view allows Tolkien to explore the emotional depth of his characters, while also painting a vivid picture of the epic and fantastical world they inhabit.

So, if you're interested in exploring how the third person point of view can be used in fantasy literature, Lord of the Rings is a fantastic place to start. You'll not only be transported to a world of magic and adventure, but you'll also get to see how the third person narrative can enhance the storytelling in such a richly imagined universe.

Third Person Point of View in To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is an extraordinary example of literature that uses the third-person point of view in a unique way. Even though the story is told from Scout Finch's perspective, it still fits the bill for our discussion on 3rd point of view examples.

While Scout is the narrator, she tells the story from her adult self's perspective, looking back on her childhood. This use of third person limited perspective allows us to see through Scout's eyes while also benefiting from her adult understanding of the events.

Here are some examples:

Example 1: "Miss Caroline seemed unaware that the ragged, denim-shirted and floursack-skirted first grade, most of whom had chopped cotton and fed hogs from the time they were able to walk, were immune to imaginative literature."
- Example 1: "Eddard Stark dismounted and his ward Theon Greyjoy brought forth the sword. 'Ice,' that sword was called. It was as wide across as a man’s hand, and taller even than Robb. The blade was Valyrian steel, spell-forged and dark as smoke. Nothing held an edge like Valyrian steel."
- Example 2: "Across the room, Viserys was feasting on eggs and chicken and paying no attention to anything but Illyrio’s flattering remarks. The magister was skilled at that. Already his men had begun to collect the golden dragon eggs."

Example 1: "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther... And one fine morning—"
Example 2: "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made…”"

Example 1: "Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world."
Example 2: "Ahab seemed a pyramid, and I, like a blazing fool, kept kicking at it."

Example 2: "Atticus was feeble, he was nearly fifty. When Jem and I asked him why he was so old, he said

Third Person Point of View in Game of Thrones

George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones" series is a grand spectacle of the third-person point of view in literature. The books are famous for their use of multiple third-person limited viewpoints. This means we get a peek into the minds of various characters, one chapter at a time. It's a great example of how 3rd point of view examples can help us understand an array of characters in a complex world.Let's look at some excerpts:Through these examples, you see the world through the eyes of Eddard Stark and Viserys respectively, providing an in-depth understanding of their characters and the world around them.So, when you're diving into your next writing project, remember the power of the 3rd person viewpoint. It can provide readers with an intimate look into your characters' minds and their unique perspectives, enriching your storytelling in a way that is both engaging and insightful.

Third Person Point of View in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" presents another excellent example of the third-person point of view, with a slight twist. The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a character within the novel, but he speaks about the events and characters as though he's an observer—essentially, a third-person narrator with a first-person perspective.Here are some examples:The use of the third-person perspective in "The Great Gatsby" allows us to understand the story from a broader perspective, even though it's told by a character within the story. This interesting blend is one of the reasons why "The Great Gatsby" is such a classic example of 3rd point of view examples in literature.So, when you're writing your next story, consider what perspective will best serve your narrative. Could it be the third person point of view, like in "The Great Gatsby"? Only you can decide!

Third Person Point of View in Moby Dick

Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" is another classic that uses the third person point of view—but with a twist. The narrator, Ishmael, tells the story from his perspective, but he also gives us insights into the thoughts and feelings of other characters in the story. This is a great example of how a narrative can switch between first and third person.Let's look at a couple of examples:What's interesting about "Moby Dick" is how Melville uses the third person point of view to help us understand the characters better. By telling the story from Ishmael's perspective, we get a first-hand account of the events. But by also including third-person descriptions of the other characters, we get a more rounded view of the story.So, when you're pondering 3rd point of view examples for your next writing project, remember "Moby Dick". The way Melville uses the third person point of view might just inspire you to try something similar!If you enjoyed exploring the third person point of view in literature and want to learn more about perspectives in writing, we encourage you to check out the 'Three-point Perspective Made Easy' workshop by Roberto Bernal. This workshop will help you understand different perspectives and enhance your writing skills by mastering the art of storytelling from various viewpoints.