Crafting a narrative requires a keen understanding of perspective, as it shapes the reader's journey through the story. The choice of point of view (POV) is a pivotal decision for any writer, as it not only guides the reader's focus but also defines the depth and intimacy of the narrative experience. There are three primary POV classifications: first person, omniscient, and third person, each with its own set of advantages and constraints. These narrative lenses can either limit or enhance the storytelling, fleshing out characters and enriching the plot.
Before a writer puts pen to paper, they must decide on the desired ambiance and connection they wish to establish between the characters and the reader. The first person POV offers an intimate glimpse into the protagonist's inner world, but it is inherently restrictive. The omniscient POV, on the other hand, provides a god-like overview without delving into the characters' emotions or motivations. The third person POV strikes a balance, offering insight into the protagonist's thoughts while also revealing events beyond their immediate perception.
In a first person narrative, the story unfolds through the eyes of the main character, using "I" and "me" as primary pronouns. This POV allows for deep character development, granting the reader access to the protagonist's motivations, fears, and thought processes. However, it also confines the narrative to the protagonist's knowledge and experiences. Other characters are perceived solely through the protagonist's lens, which can be biased or incomplete. For instance, a paranoid protagonist may misinterpret others' intentions, leaving the reader in the dark about the true dynamics at play.
The omniscient POV stands apart from the characters, offering no personal connection. Pronouns such as "she," "he," or "they" are used to describe actions and events as if the reader were watching a film. This perspective provides a visual account of the story, informing the reader of what characters do but not why they do it. Using the earlier example, the reader would observe a character's hostility without understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior.
Described metaphorically as having an angel perched on the character's shoulder, the third person POV reveals the protagonist's feelings, thoughts, and perceptions, as well as events occurring outside their awareness. Pronouns "she," "he," or "they" are used, with occasional shifts to "I" or "me" when delving into the protagonist's psyche. This POV allows the reader to discern whether the protagonist's suspicions about others are justified or merely delusional.
One of the most prevalent errors in writing is inconsistent POV. Once established, especially in shorter works, the chosen POV should remain consistent throughout. In longer pieces, shifts in POV are permissible if there is a clear demarcation, such as a new chapter or a visual break indicated by asterisks. It is crucial that in a first person narrative, the reader is not privy to information beyond the protagonist's sensory and cognitive reach.
The character chosen to narrate the story significantly influences how the POV is expressed. A character's physical and emotional traits direct both their attention and the reader's focus. For example, a character fixated on shoes might reveal a compulsion or an avoidance of eye contact. The first person POV would explore the significance of shoes to the character, while the omniscient POV would simply note the behavior. The third person POV would provide insight into the implications of this fixation.
Selecting the appropriate POV can enhance character and story development, adding a three-dimensional quality or limiting the reader to a purely visual perspective. A well-chosen POV can create suspense, drama, and memorable characters, leaving readers feeling fulfilled.
In the realm of literature, the strategic use of POV is not just a technical choice but a powerful storytelling tool. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Research in Personality suggests that stories told in the first person can lead to greater empathy and emotional connection with the protagonist (source). Meanwhile, the omniscient POV can offer readers a broader understanding of the narrative world, as discussed in the book "Narrative Fiction: Contemporary Poetics" by Shlomith Rimmon-Kenan (source).
In crafting a narrative, the choice of POV is as crucial as the plot itself. It is the lens through which the tapestry of the story is woven, and when wielded with skill, it can transform the written word into a vivid and immersive experience.
What is a Family?
What is a family? Is it a man, a woman and their children? Or is it something more than just blood ties of the traditional concept? Do adopted children qualify? Do stepparents? The current administration is trying to carve in stone their definitions of marriage and family by using their own narrow concept of life to turn back the clock and to limit under what condition people may bond together.
World Ascension
Ascension is a two-fold process. In order for a species to fully join the spiritual realms, ascension must happen both on an individual level and for the whole society in which it lives. The spiritual and evolutionary processes are permanently connected. You can not climb the spiritual ladder until the physical body has been prepared to accept the increased bioelectrical impulses. The physical mutations happen over generations as souls chose parents whose genetics will allow them to progress. As more souls become aware of the process, they become more discriminating of where they shall incarnate.
I Finally understand
I truly did not understand what the fuss was all about. Why so many people are so desperate to keep the shell of Terri Schiavo alive? Why some are so determined that every fetus be born. I didn’t understand until I heard on a radio talk show a man explaining to the audience that the brain was the person. He believes that the sum of an individual resides in the brain, that all the wisdom, creativity, and emotions of a person are held within the synoptic working of the gray matter. The brain as all parts of the body are nor more what the individual is than the clothes she or he puts on every day. The body is to the soul what the clothes are to the body. It is how the soul manifests on the earthly plane so that it may mature and develop. It is this misunderstanding of what life and death are that keeps so many living in fear. They do not realize that death is not the end, but another beginning. When the body can no longer function for what ever reason, the soul discards it in order to move on to the next lesson or better said to the next life. By clinging or being forced to hold onto old, the soul can not move on.
