Third-Person POV: 5 Essential Writing Tips

Contents

1. Choose the right third-person perspective
2. Limit your point-of-view character
3. Stay consistent with your point-of-view
4. Avoid head hopping
5. Make the most of your narrator

If you've decided to write from the 3st person point of view, you're in good company. Many of the world's greatest writers have used this perspective to weave their stories, allowing them to explore multiple characters and settings in a way that's engaging and immersive for the reader. But, like learning a new instrument or mastering a complex recipe, getting the hang of it requires practice and a few handy tips. So let's dive right in!

Choose the right third-person perspective

Before you start writing, it's important to decide which type of third-person perspective you want to use. Not all third-person viewpoints are created equal—each one gives you a different level of access to your characters' thoughts and feelings.

Limited third-person

Imagine you're a cameraman following one character around. You can see what they see and know what they're thinking, but you can't peek into anyone else's mind. That's what writing in the limited 3st person point of view is like. It's a great choice if you want to focus on one character's journey and keep some mystery around the other characters.

Objective third-person

Now picture yourself as a fly on the wall. You can see and describe everything that's happening, but you can't get inside any character's head. This is the objective 3st person point of view. It's often used in journalism and hard-boiled detective fiction—anywhere you want to present the facts and let the reader draw their own conclusions.

Omniscient third-person

Finally, imagine being a kind of all-knowing entity. You can dip in and out of any character's thoughts, give background information, and even give hints about the future. This is the omniscient 3st person point of view, and it gives you the most freedom as a writer. But be warned—it can be tricky to handle without confusing your reader!

So, before you start writing, consider your story's needs. Do you want to focus tightly on one character's experience, keep a cool, objective distance, or have the freedom to explore all your characters' inner lives? The choice is yours, and it can make a huge difference in how your story comes across.

Limit your point-of-view character

Once you've chosen your 3st person point of view, it's time to decide who your point-of-view character will be. This is the character through whose perspective your reader will experience the story. It's like choosing the lead actor in a movie—their role is crucial in driving the plot and engaging the audience.

Choosing your protagonist

More often than not, your point-of-view character will be your protagonist—the main character in your story. This character is typically the one with the most at stake, and they're the one your reader will most likely root for. But remember, heroes come in all shapes and sizes, so choose a protagonist who's interesting, relatable, and well-suited to the story you want to tell.

Considering secondary characters

However, the protagonist isn't always the best choice for a point-of-view character. Sometimes, a secondary character can provide a fresh, unexpected perspective. For instance, in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, the point-of-view character is not the brilliant detective, but his friend Dr. Watson. This allows the reader to marvel at Holmes' genius without getting bogged down in his complex thought processes.

Limiting the number of viewpoints

In third-person writing, it's possible to have more than one point-of-view character. However, a word of caution: too many viewpoints can dilute the story and confuse the reader. It's often best to stick to one or two point-of-view characters, especially in shorter works. This allows the reader to form a strong connection with the characters and become fully invested in their journey.

So, when you're setting up your 3st person point of view, think carefully about who your point-of-view character will be. This decision can greatly impact how your readers engage with your story.

Stay consistent with your point-of-view

Once you've made your 3st person point of view decision and identified your point-of-view character, it's time to stay consistent. Your point of view is the lens through which your readers see your story. Changing this lens mid-story can be jarring and disorienting. So, consistency is key.

Keeping perspective steady

Imagine if you were watching a movie and suddenly the camera switched from a standard shot to a drone shot without warning. You'd probably feel a bit disoriented, right? The same goes for changing point of view in a narrative. Once you've chosen your perspective, stick with it. This will create a smooth reading experience and keep your readers immersed in your story.

Consistency in character voice

Another crucial aspect of consistency lies in the voice of your point-of-view character. Each character has a unique way of thinking, speaking, and perceiving the world. Ensuring this voice remains consistent throughout your story is crucial. If your character starts off as a gruff, no-nonsense type, it would be confusing if they suddenly started using flowery language and waxing poetic about the sunset. Keep their voice steady, and your readers will thank you.

Handling shifts in point of view

There might be times when you want to shift the point of view to a different character. If done well, this can add depth to your story. But remember, these shifts must be handled carefully. Avoid abrupt changes and ensure that each shift serves a purpose in the story. Using chapter breaks or clear indicators can help signal these shifts to the reader and prevent confusion.

In conclusion, maintaining consistency in your 3st person point of view will enhance your storytelling and keep your readers engaged from beginning to end.

Avoid head hopping

Now, let's talk about a common pitfall in writing from a 3st person point of view — head hopping. This term refers to the abrupt shift from one character's perspective to another's within the same scene or even the same paragraph. While it may seem like a good idea to show multiple characters' thoughts and feelings, it can be disorienting for readers.

Understanding head hopping

Imagine you're at a party. There are many conversations happening around you. How would you feel if you could hear every single thought from every single person all at once? Overwhelmed, right? This is exactly how readers feel when writers head hop. By jumping from one character's thoughts to another, you can lose your reader in the process. The key is to stick to one character's perspective in each scene or chapter.

Head hopping vs. shifting point of view

But wait, you might be thinking, didn't we just talk about shifting point of view in the last section? Yes, we did. However, there's a key difference. While shifting point of view can enrich your narrative, head hopping can disrupt it. The difference lies in the execution. A shift in point of view should be clearly indicated, usually with a new chapter or a clear break in the text. Head hopping, on the other hand, is abrupt and without clear indication.

Preventing head hopping

So how do you avoid this narrative faux pas? The first step is to ensure that you're deeply rooted in your point-of-view character's perspective. Remember, you're telling the story through their eyes. If you want to share another character's thoughts or feelings, show them through actions or dialogue instead of hopping into their head.

In conclusion, avoiding head hopping is a critical component of successful 3st person point of view writing. Stay grounded in your point-of-view character's perspective, and your readers will stay grounded in your story.

Make the most of your narrator

Finally, let's explore the power of your narrator in a 3st person point of view narrative. This perspective offers you a unique opportunity to create a compelling and distinctive voice that draws your readers in and keeps them engaged.

Defining your narrator's voice

Your narrator's voice is the lens through which your readers will see your story. It's not just about what they say, but how they say it. Is your narrator formal or casual? Are they serious or do they have a sense of humor? Do they see the world in black-and-white or in shades of grey? These decisions will shape your narrator's voice and influence how your readers perceive your story.

Building a relationship between your narrator and your readers

Consider your narrator as a guide for your readers. They're the ones leading your readers through the world you've created. To build a strong relationship between your narrator and your readers, your narrator needs to be reliable and consistent. They should also offer insights that your readers might not have considered, keeping them engaged and eager to read on.

Using your narrator to add depth to your story

Your narrator can also add depth to your story. They can provide backstory, foreshadow future events, or offer their own unique perspective on the events of the story. However, it's important to strike a balance. You don't want your narrator to steal the show. Their role is to enhance the story, not overshadow it.

In conclusion, making the most of your narrator is key to writing a compelling 3st person point of view narrative. By defining their voice, building a relationship with your readers, and using them to add depth to your story, you can create a narrative that is truly captivating.

If you found our tips on writing in third-person POV helpful and want to further improve your writing skills, don't miss the workshop 'Three-point Perspective Made Easy' by Roberto Bernal. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques on mastering different perspectives, allowing you to create richer and more engaging stories.