3rd Person Point of View
If you are thinking of writing a story (or even want to learn some more about the ins and outs of writing), you’ll find the point of view or POV is a vital ingredient in any book. But what exactly is a third person point of view and how does it affect your story?
Let’s break down the third person voice and all you need to know.
What is a 3rd Person Point of View?
Third-person POV is when the narrator tells the story from an outside perspective, rather than as a character’s perspective from within the story. Instead of saying “I” or “we”, the narrator refers to characters as he, she, they, or by their names.
What Three Types of Third-Person POV?
Not all third-person narratives are the same. The three main variations offer different levels of insight into characters’ thoughts and emotions.
Third-Person Limited
Third-person limited perspective is the most common POV. In this the narrator follows one main character closely and shows their thoughts and feelings. This creates a strong connection between the reader and the protagonist without fully stepping into first-person narration.
For example:
Emma glanced at the letter in her hands, her fingers trembling. She had expected rejection, but seeing the words in black and white still stung.
Here, the reader gets insight into Emma’s emotions, but they don’t know what anyone else is thinking. The story stays anchored to her perspective.
Third-Person Omniscient
In this third-person perspective, the narrator knows everything about all characters, including their thoughts, feelings, and past experiences. This allows for a broader storytelling approach but requires careful handling to avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information.
For example:
Emma glanced at the letter in her hands, her fingers trembling. Across town, Liam tapped his phone nervously, debating whether to call. He knew Emma had received the news by now, and the thought of her disappointment made his stomach twist.
The narrator reveals what’s happening in two different places at the same time, something that wouldn’t be possible in a limited perspective.
Third-Person Objective
This perspective is entirely observational. The narrator describes only what can be seen and heard, without revealing any thoughts or emotions. It’s often used in journalistic writing or fiction that aims for a detached, cinematic feel.
For example:
Emma stood by the window, holding a letter. She exhaled sharply and folded it in half before tucking it into a drawer. Outside, rain tapped against the glass.
Unlike the other examples, this version doesn’t tell the reader what Emma is feeling. Instead, they must infer her emotions based on her actions and surroundings.
Difference Between First and Third-Person POV
First-person narration uses “I” or “we” and places the reader directly inside a character’s experience. It creates intimacy but limits the perspective to only what that character knows.
For example:
“I read the letter twice, my stomach sinking. I knew it was coming, but that didn’t make it easier.”
Third-person narration, on the other hand, allows for more flexibility. It can provide a close perspective on one character or a broader look at multiple characters’ experiences, depending on the type used.
For example:
“James read the letter twice, his stomach sank. He had known it was coming, but that didn’t make it easier.”
Both approaches have their strengths, and the choice depends on the kind of story you want to tell.
How to Choose the Right Point of View for Your Story
One of the most important decisions a writer makes is choosing the point of view (POV). The perspective you use will shape how readers connect with your characters, experience the world, and understand the story’s events. So, how do you decide whether to write in first, second, or third person narrative voice? Let’s break it down.
The main difference between POV choices is how close or distant the reader feels to the characters.
If you want readers to feel deeply inside one character’s mind, experiencing their thoughts and emotions firsthand, then first-person (“I”) or third-person limited (“he/she”) are great choices. Both give readers a strong sense of the protagonist’s inner world.
The POV you choose also affects how much information readers get.
If you want to keep secrets and let readers discover things at the same pace as the character, first-person or third-person limits are ideal. Since the reader only knows what the character knows, it builds suspense and keeps surprises hidden.
