Point of view is a fundamental concept in writing, determining how a story is told and how readers experience it. Understanding the different points of view is essential for effective communication and engaging storytelling. In English grammar, we commonly refer to three main perspectives: first person, second person, and third person. This article will delve specifically into third person point of view, exploring its definition, types, and how to effectively use it in your writing.
To understand third person, it’s helpful to briefly define the other perspectives. First person uses pronouns like “I” and “we,” placing the reader directly into the narrator’s shoes. Second person, employing “you,” directly addresses the reader, making them a character in the narrative. In contrast, third person uses pronouns like “he,” “she,” “it,” and “they” to describe characters and events from an external perspective.
Understanding Point of View: First, Second, and Third Person
In grammar, “person” distinguishes between the speaker, the person being spoken to, and the subject being spoken about. This distinction is key to understanding point of view.
- First Person: The narrator is a character within the story, sharing their own experiences and thoughts. Think of it as the “I” or “we” perspective.
- Second Person: The narrator directly addresses the reader, making them the protagonist. This is the “you” perspective and is less common in narrative fiction but often found in instructions or choose-your-own-adventure stories.
- Third Person: The narrator is an outside observer, telling the story of others. This is the “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they” perspective and is the focus of this article.
Point of view dictates whose perspective the story is told from, significantly impacting how information is presented and how readers connect with the narrative. It’s the lens through which the story unfolds.
Learn more about personal pronouns to further understand the building blocks of point of view.
Deep Dive into Third Person Point of View
Third person point of view is characterized by the narrator standing outside the story, observing the characters and events. The narrator refers to characters using third-person pronouns:
- Singular: he, him, his, himself, she, her, hers, herself, it, its, itself
- Plural: they, them, their, theirs, themselves
Imagine a third-person narrator as a reporter or documentary filmmaker, describing events and characters from an external vantage point. This perspective offers a broader view of the story compared to the intimate, internal view of first person.
The Role of a Third-Person Narrator
In third-person narration, the narrator is not a character in the story. They act as a voice that conveys the narrative to the reader. This narrator can have varying degrees of knowledge and access to characters’ thoughts and feelings, leading to different types of third-person perspectives, which we will explore next.
It’s important to remember that even without pronouns, a sentence can be in the third person. Consider the example:
- John walked into the room.
Here, “John” is not “I” (first person) or “you” (second person), making it third person. The sentence describes an action of someone other than the speaker or the person being addressed.
Types of Third Person Point of View
Third-person point of view isn’t monolithic. It can be further categorized based on the narrator’s access to characters’ inner worlds. The main types are third-person limited, third-person omniscient, and third-person objective.
Third-Person Limited
In third-person limited point of view, the narrator’s knowledge is restricted to the thoughts and experiences of a single character, typically the protagonist. We see the story through this character’s eyes, but the narration itself is in the third person. The reader only knows what this character knows, thinks, and feels.
Example: Sarah nervously checked her watch. He was late again. She wondered if he had forgotten their meeting, or worse, if something had happened.
In this example, we are limited to Sarah’s perspective. We know her nervousness and her worries, but we don’t know why “he” is late or what “he” is thinking.
Third-Person Omniscient
Third-person omniscient point of view is often described as “all-knowing.” The narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of all characters in the story. They can move freely between characters’ minds, providing a comprehensive overview of events. This perspective is like a god-like narrator who knows everything happening in the story world.
Example: John smiled, confident in his plan, while Sarah, across town, felt a growing unease, unaware of John’s intentions but sensing something was amiss. Meanwhile, in another city, Detective Miller began to piece together clues, unknowingly drawing closer to both John and Sarah.
Here, the omniscient narrator knows John’s confidence, Sarah’s unease, and Detective Miller’s actions, offering a broad understanding of the situation.
Third-Person Objective
Third-person objective point of view is the most detached perspective. The narrator acts like a camera, recording only what can be seen and heard. They do not reveal any characters’ thoughts or feelings. The reader must infer these from characters’ actions and dialogue. This style is often described as “fly-on-the-wall” narration.
Example: The door opened. A woman entered, wearing a blue coat. She walked to the window and looked out at the street. A car pulled up to the curb, and a man got out.
In this objective example, we only see actions and descriptions. We don’t know what the woman or the man is thinking or feeling.
Why Use Third Person Point of View?
Third person is a versatile and widely used point of view in writing for several reasons:
- Flexibility: It offers a balance between intimacy and distance. Limited third person allows for a close connection with a character, while omniscient provides a broader scope.
- Objectivity: Compared to first person, third person can create a sense of objectivity and authority, making it suitable for academic writing, news reporting, and narratives where a degree of detachment is desired.
- Character Development: Third person allows you to explore multiple characters and perspectives, enriching character development and plot complexity.
- Wider Scope: Omniscient perspective is particularly useful for epics or stories with vast casts and intricate plots, allowing the narrator to manage multiple storylines effectively.
Examples of Third Person Point of View in Writing
Third person is prevalent across various genres and writing styles. Here are some further examples:
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Third-person limited: “Harry Potter felt a strange tingling in his scar. He touched his forehead, wincing. Something was wrong.” (Focuses on Harry’s feelings and sensations).
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Third-person omniscient: “The townspeople celebrated the annual festival, unaware of the impending storm brewing out at sea. Little did they know, their joyous occasion was about to take a dangerous turn.” (Knows the feelings of the townspeople and the impending danger).
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Third-person objective: “The gavel struck the wooden block. “Order in the court,” the bailiff announced. The defendant remained silent, staring straight ahead.” (Reports actions and dialogue without revealing thoughts).
[Image of people discussing, could represent point of view in conversation]
Alt text: A diverse group of people engaged in a lively discussion, representing different perspectives and points of view in communication.
Conclusion
Mastering third person point of view is crucial for any writer. Whether you choose the intimacy of limited, the breadth of omniscient, or the detachment of objective, understanding these nuances allows you to craft compelling narratives and communicate effectively. Third person offers a powerful tool for storytelling and informative writing, providing a versatile perspective to engage your readers and convey your message with clarity and impact.
To ensure your writing is polished and error-free, utilize tools like Grammarly’s Grammar Checker to refine your point of view and overall writing quality.
