Spoonful #45: POINT OF VIEW: 3RD PERSON OMNISCIENT

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

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