Third Person POV: 5 Clear Examples & Guide
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

  1. What is Third Person POV?
  2. Types of Third Person POV
  3. How to Write in Third Person POV
  4. Third Person POV Example One
  5. Third Person POV Example Two
  6. Third Person POV Example Three
  7. Third Person POV Example Four
  8. Third Person POV Example Five

Delving into storytelling can feel like navigating a vast ocean without a compass. Among the various elements you need to grasp, mastering point of view (POV) can be a game-changer. In this guide, we'll be focusing on the third person point of view, providing you with a clear understanding of what it is and how to use it, alongside five concrete examples. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the seas of third person POV with confidence.

What is Third Person POV?

Third person point of view is a method of storytelling where the narrator is not a character in the story, but an outside observer. This POV allows the narrator to describe events, characters, and scenes from an external perspective. It's like watching a movie: you can see and understand what's happening, but you're not actually in the scene. Here are some important points to remember about third person POV:

  • Objective Observation: Since the narrator isn't a character, they can provide an unbiased commentary on the events unfolding in the story.
  • Flexible Knowledge: Depending on the type of third person POV (which we'll discuss next), the narrator may have limitless knowledge about all characters and events, or maybe limited to knowing only certain details.
  • Descriptive Capability: Third person POV gives the narrator the ability to describe characters and settings in detail, providing a rich and vivid picture for the reader.

Remember, third person POV isn't just about describing what's happening. It's about painting a vivid picture and guiding the reader through the story as an outside observer. By mastering this, you can truly bring your story to life.

Types of Third Person POV

While third person POV may seem straightforward, it actually comes in three distinct flavors, each offering a unique storytelling approach. Let's go over each one:

  • Third Person Objective: In this form, the narrator is a fly on the wall. They relay the events exactly as they occur, without insight into any character's thoughts or feelings. It's very fact-based and can feel a bit like reading a newspaper article. For example, "John walked into the room and sat down."
  • Third Person Limited: Here, the narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of one character, usually the protagonist. This allows readers to form a connection with that character. For example, "John walked into the room and sat down, feeling a rush of nostalgia."
  • Third Person Omniscient: This is the all-knowing narrator. They have access to the thoughts, feelings, and knowledge of all characters. For example, "John walked into the room and sat down, feeling a rush of nostalgia. Mary, watching from the corner, felt a pang of envy."

Choosing the right type of third person POV depends on the story you want to tell. Do you want to keep your readers at arm's length, or let them into the mind of your characters? Your choice will greatly impact how your story unfolds and how readers connect with it.

How to Write in Third Person POV

Writing in third person POV can seem tricky at first, but with some practice and key tips in mind, you'll be able to master it in no time. Here are some steps to guide you:

  1. Choose Your Type: As we've discussed, there are three types of third person POV. Based on your story and its needs, pick the one that suits you best.
  2. Stay Consistent: It's important to maintain consistency in your POV. Switching between types can confuse readers. So, once you've chosen your type—stick with it!
  3. Characterization is Key: In third person POV, you get to describe your characters from an outside perspective. Use this to your advantage to paint a vivid picture of them. Remember, show, don't tell.
  4. Watch Your Pronouns: Third person POV uses pronouns like "he", "she", "it", or "they". Make sure to use these instead of "I" or "you".
  5. Practice: Like any writing technique, the more you practice, the better you'll get. Write short stories or scenes in third person POV to get the hang of it.

And there you have it! With these steps, you're well on your way to creating engaging narratives using third person point of view. Remember, writing is a journey. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get it right the first time.

Third Person POV Example One

Let's dig into some examples of third person point of view to better understand how it works in practice. Our first example comes from the world of children's literature:

"Harry was a small, thin boy with glasses. He lived in a cupboard under the stairs, and he didn't like it very much. He often dreamed of a better life, one filled with adventure and excitement."

Notice how this example uses "he" instead of "I" or "you", painting a picture of Harry from an outsider's perspective. This is a perfect example of third person limited POV—we're privy to Harry's thoughts and feelings, but we only know what he knows. This allows the reader to connect with Harry while still maintaining some distance. It's like we're peeking into his world, but we're not in his shoes.

So, next time you're writing, think about your character. How would you describe them if you were watching from the sidelines? What are their thoughts, feelings, and dreams? And most importantly, how can you make the reader feel like they're part of the story, even when they're not?

Third Person POV Example Two

Let's move onto our second example of third person point of view. This time, we're diving into the realm of mystery novels:

"Detective Smith studied the crime scene, his eyes scanning for any clues. The room was a mess, with papers strewn across the floor and a shattered vase lying in the corner. Something wasn't adding up, and Smith knew he had to figure it out."

In this example, we're using third person objective POV. We see what's happening through Detective Smith's actions and observations, but we don't know what he's thinking or feeling. The writer keeps us at arm's length, creating a sense of suspense and mystery. It's like we're standing right next to Smith, observing the crime scene with him, but we can't peek into his mind.

So, how can you use this in your own writing? When you want to create suspense or keep your readers guessing, consider using third person objective POV. Remember, you don't always have to reveal everything. Sometimes, what you don't say can be just as powerful as what you do.

Third Person POV Example Three

Our journey through examples of third person point of view continues. Let's check out Example Three, which takes us into the world of fantasy:

"The dragon perched on the mountaintop, its scales shimmering in the moonlight. Far below, the villagers huddled in their homes, praying for a hero to save them. Little did they know, the unassuming blacksmith's apprentice, named Jack, was preparing to face the beast."

This section illustrates a third person omniscient POV. The narrator knows everything, from the dragon on the mountaintop to the villagers' fears and Jack's heroic intentions. This point of view gives readers a bird's eye view of the whole scene, filling in the details that other characters might miss.

When you're crafting a story with multiple important characters or a wide scope, third person omniscient POV can be a great tool. It allows you to give readers a full, rich picture of your world. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Don't overload your readers with too much information at once—keep it clear and manageable.

Third Person POV Example Four

Let's move on to Example Four of our exploration of third person point of view. This time, we're going to check out a detective story:

"Detective Harris studied the crime scene, his sharp eyes not missing a single detail. The broken vase, the open window, the faint footprints on the carpet—it all pointed to one conclusion. Yet, he kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to influence his rookie partner's own observations."

This snippet is a classic example of third person limited POV. We're privy to Detective Harris's thoughts and observations, but we don't know what his partner is thinking. Here, the focus stays firmly on one character, giving us a peek into their mind while keeping other characters' thoughts a mystery.

When you want to keep a story focused on one character or build suspense, third person limited can be your best friend. It can help you put your readers in the shoes of your protagonist, experiencing the world from their perspective, while leaving room for plot twists and surprises. Cool, right?

Third Person POV Example Five

Are you ready for our final example of third person point of view? This one's a little different from the rest. Let's dive straight into it:

"Sarah, with her bright red hair, was full of ambition. Across the room, John, the tall and silent type, observed her. He was intrigued by her passion and determination."

This is an example of third person objective POV. Notice anything different? Yep, you got it! Unlike the previous examples, here we're not given access to the thoughts and feelings of any character. Instead, we're presented with an objective, almost journalistic view of the situation.

The third person objective is like a fly on the wall—it sees everything but doesn't get into anyone's head. This point of view can be particularly effective when you want to maintain a sense of objectivity or mystery. It allows you to present actions and dialogue without revealing what your characters are thinking or feeling. Intriguing, isn't it?

So, there you have it—five diverse examples of third person point of view. Each one brings a unique flavor to a story, shaping the reader's experience in subtle yet meaningful ways. Which one resonated with you the most? Remember, the beauty of storytelling lies in its versatility—feel free to experiment with different points of view and find your unique voice. Happy writing!

If you're intrigued by the concept of Third Person POV and want to expand your knowledge on different perspectives, check out 'Three-point Perspective Made Easy' workshop by Roberto Bernal. This workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of perspective in storytelling and help you improve your writing skills.