Analyze how the narrator's point of view influences the story in works of fiction, and how different points of view can shape the reader's understanding of the characters and events. This skill is essential for understanding and interpreting literature.
Point of view in fiction
When reading fiction, one of the most important things to pay attention to is the point of view. This refers to the perspective from which the story is being told. There are several different types of point of view in fiction, and each can affect how the reader experiences the story.
First-person point of view is when the story is told from the perspective of one character, who uses "I" or "we" to describe events. This can give the reader a sense of intimacy with the character, but it also limits the reader's knowledge to only what that character knows.
What is first-person point of view in fiction?
He/she, I/we, They/them
Second-person point of view is less common, but it can be used to create a more immersive experience for the reader by placing them directly into the story. This is done through the use of the pronoun "you," which addresses the reader as a character in the story.
What is second-person point of view in fiction?
I/we, He/she, You
Third-person point of view is the most common in fiction. This is when the story is told from an outside perspective, using pronouns like "he," "she," and "they." This can give the reader a more objective view of the story, but it also limits the reader's access to characters' thoughts and feelings.
What is third-person point of view in fiction?
He/she, I/we, They/them
Within third-person point of view, there are also different types, such as limited and omniscient. Limited third-person point of view follows one character closely, while omniscient third-person point of view allows the narrator to know and reveal the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.
What is the difference between limited and omniscient third-person point of view?
One character vs multiple, Inside the character's head vs objective view, Intimacy vs distance.