Mastering Point of View (POV)

Writing fiction is a multifaceted process. You will create believable characters, fashion commanding settings, capture an absorbing style, write compelling dialogue, and decide on the most effective point of view (POV).

Point of view, whoever, is one of the most difficult elements of craft to master for newer writers, and it is one of the telltale signs to editors of an amateur author. Therefore, it’s mandatory to create a saleable novel to master this writing technique.

Understanding Point-Of-View
The reason POV is so difficult to learn is its complexity. POV in fiction can be in first person, through one person’s eyes who shares the story with the reader and is seen as the "I" character in the novel, or it can be viewed through the eyes of all major characters in either first person for each character or in third person—the "he" or "she" character—using alternating scenes. Another less popular POV is omniscient POV (the story told by the author or a character outside the plot). This style was very common in the classic novels of the past.

Whichever style you use, be consistent and bring each POV character to life, making the story theirs while in their scenes so that readers care about them. Emotions, feelings, and inner voice of the characters offer the reader a deeper look into their conflicts, motivation, and goals or needs. Focusing on these aspects creates vivid, real life individuals who make readers laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters well-being and success.

Example First Person POV
My pulse galloped through my chest when Brandon stepped through the doorway. I tried not to look at him, but I couldn’t keep my eyes from his muscular, handsome form and his air of assuredness. His gaze drifted along my frame, and though I tried to hide my feelings, fiery heat crept up my neck. I longed to counter his look with my own admiring gaze, but I’d already embarrassed myself enough. What kind of woman was I to fall apart at a single admiring look from a man I barely knew?

Example Third Person POV:
Jill’s pulse galloped through her chest when Brandon stepped through the doorway. She tried not to look at him, but she couldn’t keep her eyes from his muscular, handsome form and his air of assuredness. His gaze drifted along her frame, and though she tried to hide her feelings, fiery heat crept up her neck. She longed to counter his look with her own admiring gaze, but she’d already embarrassed myself enough. What kind of woman was she to fall apart at a single admiring look from a man she barely knew?

Here, you can see the similarity of the introspection and emotion of both first and third person. Yet you can sense that first person offers a reader a greater sense of intimacy.

Blending POV Styles
To add to its complexity, some novels are written using both first person and third person POV. Usually this is done by making the main character, the "I" voice or first person character, and using third person for all other POV characters. Looking at the same scene above, remember Jill’s First Person experience:
My pulse galloped through my chest when Brandon stepped through the doorway. I tried not to look at him, but I couldn’t keep my eyes from his muscular, handsome form and his air of assuredness. His gaze drifted along my frame, and though I tried to hide my feelings, fiery heat crept up my neck. I longed to counter his look with my own admiring gaze, but I’d already embarrassed myself enough. What kind of woman was I to fall apart at a single admiring look from a man I barely knew?

In the next scene, we witness Brandon’s reaction to seeing Jill.
Third Person example:
Brandon came through the doorway into the sunlight and faltered. Jill. The wind ruffled her golden, sun-speckled hair. His gaze glided over her delicate, ivory skin to her full, coral-hued lips. He warmed, watching a rosy flush creep up her hairline and spread along her cheeks. He stifled a chuckle, sensing she wanted to respond to his gaze but wouldn’t allow herself to admit her attraction.

Whether using first or third person, single or multiple POV, you must weigh your decisions carefully. Each POV has its pros and cons. I’ll talk about that in my next entry.