Effective Storytelling: A Guide to Third Person POV
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 8 min read

Contents

  1. Third Person POV: What is it?
  2. Types of Third Person POV
  3. Why Use Third Person POV?
  4. How to Begin Writing in Third Person POV
  5. Tips for Effective Third Person POV Writing
  6. Common Mistakes in Third Person POV Writing
  7. Examples of Effective Third Person POV Writing
  8. Tips for Switching Between POVs

Imagine yourself as a puppeteer, guiding your characters through the ups and downs of their story. You hold the strings; you see everything from a distance. That's the essence of the third person point of view (POV) in storytelling. Used widely in various forms of writing, this perspective can be your secret weapon for creating engaging, immersive narratives. Let's dive into the world of third person POV and explore how to use it effectively.

Third Person POV: What is it?

The third person POV is a method of storytelling where the narrator exists outside the events of the story. They describe the actions of the characters by referring to their names or by using third-person pronouns like 'he', 'she', or 'they'. Picture it as an invisible observer, floating around the scene, capturing the details from an external standpoint.

There are a few key characteristics that you can use to recognize this point of view:

  • Narrator's position: The narrator is not a character in the story. They are just like a camera, capturing the scene without participating in it.
  • Pronoun use: You'll notice the use of 'he', 'she', 'they', 'it', 'his', 'hers', 'their', 'its'. These pronouns are telltale signs of the third person POV.
  • Character knowledge: Depending on the type of third-person POV (which we'll get to later), the narrator may know everything about all characters, or just the inner thoughts of one character.

Remember, the key to recognizing and using the point of view third effectively is understanding these characteristics. With this basic understanding, you're ready to dive deeper into the various types of third person POV and their unique aspects. Let's explore!

Types of Third Person POV

Now that you've got a handle on what third person POV is, let's break it down further. There are three main types, each providing a different level of insight into your characters and their world:

  • Third Person Limited: In this style, the narrator knows only what a single character knows. It's like peeking into one character's mind — you can see their thoughts and feelings, but the actions and feelings of other characters are only viewed externally.
  • Third Person Omniscient: Here the narrator knows everything about all characters. They can reveal any character's thoughts, feelings, and history. It's like having a bird's eye view of the whole story.
  • Third Person Objective: This point of view offers the most distance. The narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, without delving into any character's thoughts or feelings. It's like watching a movie: you see and hear what's happening but don't get a glimpse into the character's inner world.

So, which type of third person POV should you use? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your story and what you want your reader to know. Do you want to dive deeply into your main character's psyche? Third Person Limited could be your best bet. Want to expose the thoughts and feelings of all your characters? Consider Third Person Omniscient. If you want your reader to interpret the story solely based on actions and dialogue, Third Person Objective is your go-to.

Remember, the type of third person POV you choose can drastically shape your narrative, so choose wisely!

Why Use Third Person POV?

Now that we've discussed the different types of third person POV, let's talk about why you might want to use them in your story. This point of view third person style can offer several advantages for your storytelling:

  • Flexibility: Third person POV can give you a lot of room to move around in your narrative. If you're writing a story with multiple characters or complex plotlines, this perspective can help you cover a lot of ground without confusing your readers.
  • Depth: Imagine being able to dive into the thoughts and feelings of any character, not just your protagonist. Third person POV allows you to do just that, providing depth and complexity to your characters and their relationships.
  • Objectivity: Sometimes, you might want your readers to form their own opinions about your characters and their actions. Writing in third person POV can provide a sort of 'fly on the wall' perspective, leaving interpretation up to the reader.

Choosing the right point of view for your story can make a huge difference in how your readers engage with your characters and their world. Third person POV can offer a unique combination of depth, flexibility, and objectivity. So, why not give it a try?

How to Begin Writing in Third Person POV

So, you've decided to write your story from a third person point of view. Great choice! But how do you get started? Here are some simple steps to help you dive into this narrative style:

  1. Choose your main character: While third person POV allows you to explore multiple characters, it's still essential to have a main character or set of characters to focus on. This will help guide your narrative and keep your story grounded.
  2. Decide on your perspective: Will you opt for third person limited, giving you intimate access to one character's thoughts and experiences? Or will you go with third person omniscient, offering a bird's eye view of all your characters and their world? Your decision here will shape your narrative style.
  3. Plan your story: Outline your plot, setting, and character arcs. Knowing where your story is going can help you make the most of your chosen POV.
  4. Start writing: There's no right or wrong way to start your story. You might start with an action scene to grab your reader's attention, or you might take a slower approach, setting the scene and introducing your characters. The key is to stay consistent with your chosen POV.

Remember, writing in third person POV can seem difficult at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the style that best suits your story.

Tips for Effective Third Person POV Writing

Writing in the third person point of view can be a fun and rewarding experience. But to make the most of it, you'll need some practical tips. So, let's get into it:

  1. Stay Consistent: If you've chosen to write in third person limited, stick to it. Don't suddenly switch to an omniscient point of view half-way through your story. Consistency is key in maintaining reader engagement and avoiding confusion.
  2. Use Descriptive Language: In third person POV, you have the advantage of being able to describe scenes and characters in a way that first person cannot. So, make sure you use this to your advantage. Paint a vivid picture for your reader.
  3. Be Mindful of Head-Hopping: This is when you switch between characters' thoughts too rapidly, which can be disorientating for your readers. It's okay to switch perspectives, but make sure each transition is clear and purposeful.
  4. Make Each Character's Voice Unique: If you're using third person omniscient, it can be tempting to make all your characters sound the same. Avoid this pitfall by giving each character a distinct voice and personality.
  5. Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different techniques and styles. Writing is a creative process, and experimenting can often lead to wonderful outcomes.

Remember, the most important tip is to enjoy the process of writing. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be able to create a captivating story from a third person point of view.

Common Mistakes in Third Person POV Writing

Now that we've discussed how to create an effective third person point of view story, let's highlight some common mistakes to avoid. After all, no one wants to fall into the same old traps, right?

  1. Over-describing: With the freedom that third person point of view gives, it's easy to go overboard with descriptions. While it's important to paint a vivid picture, over-describing can slow down your story and bore your readers. Remember, less is often more.
  2. Ignoring Inner Thoughts and Feelings: Just because you're writing in third person doesn't mean you should ignore your characters' inner thoughts and feelings. These elements are vital to creating well-rounded and relatable characters.
  3. Switching Points of View too Quickly: While third person allows for multiple perspectives, switching between them too quickly can confuse readers. Each switch should be purposeful and clear. Remember, readers need time to adjust to each new perspective.
  4. Forgetting the Reader: It might seem obvious, but it's important to remember who you're writing for. Don't get so carried away with your story that you forget to engage your reader. Make sure your writing is accessible and engaging.
  5. Ignoring the Rules of your Chosen POV: If you've chosen to use third person limited, for example, stick to the rules of that perspective. Ignoring these rules can confuse your reader and dilute the effectiveness of your story.

By steering clear of these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to crafting a compelling third person point of view narrative. After all, the best stories are the ones that avoid the pitfalls and focus on the journey, right?

Examples of Effective Third Person POV Writing

Reading great works can teach us a lot about the craft and how to apply it to our own writing. Let's examine a few examples of effective third person point of view writing.

"Harry Potter" Series by J.K. Rowling: One of the best examples of point of view third person done right. Rowling masterfully uses third person limited to dive into Harry's thoughts and feelings, while also offering a broader view of the magical world.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Here, Fitzgerald employs third person objective to narrate the tale through the eyes of Nick Carraway, giving readers an outsider's perspective on the lives of the main characters.

"Game of Thrones" Series by George R.R. Martin: This series showcases third person multiple POV, switching between various characters chapter by chapter. This allows readers to experience the vast world and complex plot from different perspectives.

Each of these examples shows how effectively using the third person point of view can create rich, engaging narratives that draw readers in. By studying these and other well-written third person narratives, you can gain insights into how to craft your own compelling point of view third person narratives.

Remember, writing is a journey. The more you practice and learn from others, the better you'll become. So, grab a book, start reading, and let the learning begin!

Tips for Switching Between POVs

Shifting from one point of view to another can be a powerful storytelling tool, but it's not without its challenges. How do you ensure a smooth transition that doesn't confuse your readers? Here are some tips for switching between point of view third and other POV's in your writing:

  • Establish Each POV Clearly: Make sure it's clear whose perspective we're in when you switch. This can be done through naming the character at the start of a new section or chapter, or by giving a clear indicator of their thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
  • Use Transitions Wisely: Use cues such as chapter breaks, section breaks, or even a line of whitespace to signal a shift in POV. This helps guide your reader and avoid confusion.
  • Make Each Voice Distinct: Each character's POV should have a unique voice. This can be achieved by focusing on their individual experiences, thoughts, and feelings, as well as their unique way of seeing the world.
  • Don't Overdo It: Switching POVs too often can lead to confusion and disrupt the flow of the story. It's often better to stick with one POV for a significant portion of the narrative before making a switch.

Switching between POVs, especially point of view third, can add depth and complexity to your narrative. It allows you to explore multiple perspectives and can create suspense, tension, and surprise. But remember, the key is to use this tool effectively and thoughtfully. Happy writing!

If you're eager to enhance your storytelling skills further, especially in the third person point of view, we highly recommend checking out 'Three-point Perspective Made Easy' by Roberto Bernal. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to master the art of third person storytelling, making your narratives even more engaging and compelling.