Writing Tips: Mastering the Art of Omniscient Third Person Point of View

Mastering the Art of Omniscient Third Person Point of View

As a writer, you’re expected to be able to play with different points of view. First-person, second-person, and third-person point of views are the most common types of narration, with the third-person point of view being the most widely used. The third-person point of view is where the narrator is not a character or involved in the story, but looks on from the outside and reports on what is happening. There are two distinct types of third-person point of view, and this article will focus on the omniscient third-person point of view and the various methods you can use to master it.

What is the Omniscient Third Person Point of View?

When we use the term “omniscient,” we refer to a narrator that is all-knowing and sees all. Specifically, omniscient third-person point of view is a way of narrating a story in which the author of the story plays the role of an all-knowing, all-seeing voice that relays information to the reader. This style of narration is typically used in fiction writing such as novels, novellas, and short stories.

The omniscient third-person point of view offers a unique perspective on the story, as the narrator can see into the thoughts and the emotions of the characters, even when their actions suggest otherwise. It’s an excellent way of telling a complex story that might involve several characters and events that don’t always relate to one another.

Methods of using Omniscient Third Person Point of View

If you’re looking to incorporate the omniscient third-person point of view into your writing, there are several methods you can use:

1. Use a Neutral Voice: A neutral voice is the most common way of using omniscient third-person point of view. It involves the narrator not showing any bias towards any of the characters in the story. The language used is objective, factual, and neutral.

2. Foreshadowing: With the omniscient third-person point of view, you can easily build up suspense and anticipation in your story through foreshadowing. The narrator can introduce hints and clues that offer the reader insights into the characters’ lives and their motivations.

3. Use of Dialogues: You can also use dialogues to convey the characters’ thoughts and emotions without the need for an external narrator. The dialogue can be used as a tool to describe the characters’ traits, background, and beliefs.

Examples of Omniscient Third Person Point of View

To better understand how to use the omniscient third-person point of view, here are some examples:

Example 1: “It was a dark and stormy night, and Laura was feeling uneasy. She could not shake off a nagging feeling that something was wrong. Meanwhile, her husband Jack was sleeping soundly next to her, unaware of her concerns.” Here, the narrator reveals two characters’ perspectives, Laura and Jack, which helps the reader understand the situation in more detail.

Example 2: “Linda was crossing the street when she saw him. It had been five years since she last saw her ex-husband, the one whom she had never fully forgotten, and was now standing in front of her.” In this example, the narrator isn’t discussing the character’s thoughts, but instead provides information about the characters’ past and their relationship.

Conclusions

In summary, the omniscient third-person point of view offers writers the ability to tell a story from an all-knowing, all-seeing perspective, providing unique insights into the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and actions. By using a neutral voice, foreshadowing, and dialogue effectively, you can master the art of omniscient third-person narration and create a compelling and engaging story. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with your writing style, as that’s the best way to improve your skills. Happy writing!