🤔 Have you ever wondered why some books captivate us and leave a lasting impression, while others fail to even hold our attention for a minute? One of the key factors in the success of a story is the point of view (POV). The POV is the perspective from which a story is told, and it plays a crucial role in how readers experience a story.

In this blog, we’ll explore the psychology behind the different types of POV and how they impact the reader’s experience. Understanding the reader’s POV can help you create more engaging and impactful stories.

First Person POV

In first person POV, the story is narrated from the perspective of a character within the story. This POV allows the reader to step inside the character’s mind and see the world through their eyes. The reader is privy to the character’s thoughts and feelings, which can create a strong emotional connection between the reader and the character.

👀 To illustrate this point, imagine a book where the narrator is a teenage girl going through a difficult phase in her life. If the story is in first person POV, the reader can not only read what is happening to the girl but also feel her emotions and connect with her struggles.

One potential downside of first-person POV is that it can be limiting. Readers only see the world through the narrator’s eyes, so they may not get a complete or objective view of the story.

A person looking through binoculars

Second Person POV

In second person POV, the story is told from the perspective of the reader. The narrator speaks directly to the reader using pronouns like ‘you’, ‘your’ and ‘yours’. This POV is often used in self-help and instructional books to guide the reader through a process or experience.

🙋‍♀️ Imagine a book about learning to surf that is written in second person POV. The narrator could say, “You position the board perpendicular to the shore. You paddle out to the breaking waves. You wait for the right moment to stand up and ride the wave.” By using ‘you’ throughout, the reader becomes an active participant in the story and feels like they are experiencing surfing.

Second person POV can be powerful, but it must be used carefully. If used incorrectly, it can come across as preachy or condescending.

A person looking at their reflection in a mirror

Third Person POV

In third person POV, the story is narrated by an outsider who is not a part of the story. The narrator is often omniscient, meaning they have complete knowledge of the story and characters. This POV allows the reader to see the story from multiple perspectives and get a more well-rounded view of the world.

🧐 An example of third-person POV could be a mystery novel where the narrator describes the actions and perspectives of different characters without being involved in the story. The reader gets a bird’s eye view of the story and can see how all of the characters’ actions fit together.

One downside of third-person POV is that it can create a sense of detachment from the story. Without a strong emotional connection to the characters, readers may not feel as invested in the story.

A person seeing multiple paths branching out ahead of them

Multiple POV

Multiple POV is a technique where the story is told from the perspective of multiple characters. This POV can create a more complex and layered story by showing how different characters experience the same events in different ways.

🎭 Imagine a romance novel where the story is told from the perspectives of both the protagonist and the love interest. By seeing the events from both perspectives, the reader can understand the thoughts and feelings of both characters and get a more complete picture of the story.

However, multiple POV can be challenging to pull off. If not done correctly, it can confuse the reader and make the story feel disjointed.

A person holding a puzzle piece that just doesn't fit

Conclusion

🤗 Understanding the reader’s POV is an essential part of creating a successful story. Each POV has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right POV can elevate the story and help readers connect with it. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an avid reader, paying attention to the POV can help you to get more out of the stories you encounter.

A person holding a book, with a big smile on their face