What is 3rd Person Point of View and How to Use it in Your Writing?

The Importance of Point of View in Writing

Choosing the right point of view is crucial when it comes to creating engaging and impactful writing. Point of view is the perspective that a writer uses to tell their story. It provides a lens through which readers experience the events and characters in the story. One of the most common points of view is the third person point of view. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what it is and explore how to effectively use it in your writing.

What is Third Person Point of View?

Third person point of view is an objective viewpoint where the author or narrator is not a character in the story. Instead, they are an outsider looking in, describing the actions and thoughts of the characters. There are three types of third person point of view: third person objective, third person limited, and third person omniscient.

Third Person Objective

In third person objective, the narrator only shares what can be seen or heard, without revealing any characters’ thoughts or emotions. This creates a detached, objective tone, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about the characters based on their actions and words.

Third Person Limited

Third person limited focuses on the thoughts and emotions of a single character. The narrator is not a character in the story, but they have access to the inner workings of the character they are following. This allows readers to connect more deeply with that character while still maintaining some distance.

Third Person Omniscient

Third person omniscient is when the narrator knows everything that’s happening in the story, including the thoughts and feelings of every character. This can be a powerful tool for revealing information that the characters themselves might not know, but it can also be overwhelming if not used carefully.

How to Use Third Person Point of View in Your Writing

Now that we’ve covered the basics of third person point of view, let’s explore how to use it in your writing.

Choose the Right Pronouns

When writing in third person, it’s important to use the correct pronouns. In third person objective, you’ll use pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “it” to describe the actions of the characters. In third person limited and omniscient, you’ll use those same pronouns, but you might also add in the character’s name or use the pronoun “they” when describing multiple characters.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to point of view. Once you’ve chosen a perspective, stick with it throughout the piece. Avoid switching between perspectives in the middle of a scene or chapter, as it can be confusing for readers.

Use Dialogue and Action to Reveal Character

One benefit of third person point of view is that it allows you to reveal character through their actions and dialogue. Show readers how characters interact with each other and react to events in the story to give them a deeper understanding of who they are.

Consider Your Tone

The tone of your writing can be greatly influenced by the choice of point of view. Third person objective has a more factual tone, while third person limited can be more personal and emotional. Third person omniscient can be either, depending on how you use it. Think about what tone you want to convey and choose the point of view that best achieves that goal.

Conclusion

Third person point of view can be a powerful tool in your writing arsenal. By choosing the right perspective and using it consistently throughout your piece, you can create a more engaging, immersive experience for your readers. Remember to use dialogue and action to reveal character, be mindful of your tone, and choose the right pronouns. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master this important aspect of writing and take your work to the next level.

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