LAURA FINEBERG COOPER
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Spoonful #45: POINT OF VIEW: 3RD PERSON OMNISCIENT

1/12/2020

3 Comments

 
Picture
POINT OF VIEW (POV) in literature refers to the perspective (attitude, thoughts, and beliefs) of a book's narrator. Just like your points of view color how you observe and experience life, a book's POV shapes how a story is told. So how do you deduce a book's POV? PERSONAL PRONOUNS provide all the clues you need. 


​The 3RD PERSON OMNISCIENT narrator refers to characters by name and by the PERSONAL SUBJECT PRONOUNS HE, SHE, and THEY. This type of narrator is characterized by an all-knowing ability to tap into each character's feelings and thoughts. Most often, the narrator remains invisible: when talking directly to the reader, they use a different type of POV know as 2ND PERSON (a topic for another spoonful.)

Picture books are often narrated in this POV style, but 3RD PERSON OMNISCIENT isn't often used in books for older children. THE DIVINERS a young adult novel by Libba Bray, is written in this style. LORD OF THE FLIES by Henry Golding is, too. Generally, historical novels can carry this style better than contemporary novels can. 

When seeking to determine a book's POV, don't look to dialogue. When characters talk, they always refer to themselves as I. Look instead to the narration - when the narrator is describing the book's plot. By paying attention to the PERSONAL PRONOUNS used, I guarantee you'll be able to spot this (or any) type of narration on the first page or two. Happy sleuthing! 

3RD PERSON LIMITED will be explained next Sunday. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,
Laura Fineberg Cooper

3 Comments
Adaela McLaughlin
1/12/2020 12:34:15 pm

Great topic for helping my writing. I am looking forward to learning about 3rd person limited. Also 2nd person.

Reply
Laura Fineberg Cooper link
1/12/2020 05:29:11 pm

Dear Adaela,
I'm so glad you found this helpful! I aim to help writers of all ages. You might want to check out two of my posts on Writers' Rumpus: Dare to Change Your POV and the 7 Layer Cake Method of Writing.

Reply
Marcia Strykowski link
1/20/2020 07:03:14 am

Nice clear explanation of this sometimes confusing topic!

Reply



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    Welcome to
    ​A Spoonful of Grammar!

    Swallowing too many grammar rules at once can be hazardous to one's health. That's why my goal is to deliver one spoonful at a time - in the most delightful way.
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    Sincerely,
    Laura Fineberg Cooper

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