LAURA FINEBERG COOPER
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Spoonful #46: 3RD PERSON LIMITED POV

1/19/2020

4 Comments

 
Picture
Inquiring minds want to know: how does 3RD PERSON LIMITED compare to 3RD PERSON OMNISCIENT(covered in the last spoonful)? Read on and all will be explained. 

The similarity is that both POVs refer to characters using names and the PERSONAL SUBJECT PRONOUNS he, she, and they. Both POVs are called 3RD PERSON because they don't use I or you. 

Now for the distinction:

The 3RD PERSON OMNISCIENT narrator is all-knowing. The 3RD PERSON LIMITED narrator is NOT! This type of narrator can only see into one character's mind. For all other characters, this narrator can only relate what he or she observes. Is this narrator outside the story or is it really the character whose beliefs, attitudes, experiences, and perceptions skew the story's narration? You be the judge. 

The takeaway:
The 3RD PERSON LIMITED POV is the most difficult type to determine. As soon as you realize you're only learning how one character thinks, you know the book has this type of narration. Which character will it be? Most often, it will be the main character, but not always. 

A wonderful example of the 3RD PERSON LIMITED POV is WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND by Elizabeth George Speare. Main character Kit is raised free as a bird in Barbados, but flees to Puritan Wethersfield, CT after the death of her grandfather. Is the narration skewed by Kit's upbringing? The answer is a resounding YES!!!! 

Which POV does 3RD PERSON LIMITED most resemble? Stay tuned for next Sunday's spoonful, when the answer will be revealed. 

Sincerely,
Laura Fineberg Cooper
A Spoonful of Grammar

4 Comments
Marcia Strykowski link
1/20/2020 06:57:14 am

Interesting post! It made me realize my current WIP is somewhat of a mix; mostly third person limited, but once in a while I let the narrator's opinion show. Hopefully I can pull this off smoothly without breaking too many rules. :)

Reply
Marcia Strykowski link
1/20/2020 07:02:01 am

On second thought, now that I'm awake for the day, I guess my WIP is really 3rd person omniscient even though my narrator sticks to one main character's feelings. Thanks for making me think about this!

Reply
Laura Fineberg Cooper link
1/20/2020 09:09:55 pm

Dear Marcia,
I'm very intriqued to read your WIP. I wouldn't be surprised if you are alternating between both types, which is totally cool. Many of my favorite books use alternating forms of POV, whether chapter by chapter or when the narrator speaks directly to the reader, like Death does in The Book Thief. DARE TO CHANGE YOUR POV, my post on the Writers' Rumpus blog, addresses that.

Kirstine Call link
1/24/2020 09:30:46 am

Yet another clever, concise and super helpful post Laura! Thank you!

Reply



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    ​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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  • Home
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