The Write Zone

Choosing the right point of view (POV) for your story is a lot like choosing the right camera angle in a movie. You can tell the same story from multiple angles, but each one changes how the audience feels, what they know, and who they connect with.

POV is more than just deciding between “I” or “he/she.” It’s about how close the reader is to your story, what they’re allowed to know, and how they experience every moment.

Let’s break it down.

First Person POV

First person is told through the eyes of the character, using “I.”

Now, my examples are all going to be about the same thing- same character, place, and event, so you can see how POV changes your perspective. Here’s the first one.

The end was in sight, and I pushed myself even harder than my legs could probably handle. The marathon was so close to being finished, and that metal was ready to hang around my neck. I was only a few steps away when I became aware of pounding footsteps, and I was shocked as my competitor Jesse leapt across the finish line a mere second before me. My gut twisted, and I dipped my head in disappointment.

First person works best when the emotional experience of the character is a main part of the story. We hear their thoughts unfiltered, feel their fears immediately, and see the world exactly as they do.

Pros:

• Very intimate and personal
• Great for character-driven stories
• Strong emotional connection

Cons:

• Limited perspective (we only know what the narrator knows)
• Can become repetitive if the voice isn’t strong

Third Person POV

This is one of the most common POVs. It uses “he/she/they” but sticks closely to one character’s thoughts and experiences.

Example: Marie pushed even harder, felling relived as the finish line came into sight. She thought she was well ahead of her other competitors, but she didn’t know Jesse was close behind, silently drawing closer. Marie was glad to finally be finished with the marathon, and she threw out her arms as she prepared to cross the finish line. Jesse gave it one last push, and edged out Marie, breaking the ribbon only a second before Marie.

You knew that Jesse was there in that one, so you might’ve been able to guess what was going to happen. Third Person POV lets the reader know a lot more than First Person.

Pros:

• Big-picture storytelling
• Great for complex plots or large casts
• Allows dramatic irony

Cons:

• Less emotional intimacy
• Easy to overuse information and weaken tension

Third Person POV works best when the story is bigger than any single character.

Second Person POV

This POV uses “you,” placing the reader directly into the story.

Example: You feel your heart soar as the end of the marathon comes into sight. You’ve done it! Pushing yourself harder, you throw out your arms and prepare to win the race. But a sudden feeling of dread fills your stomach, and your rival Jesse beats you to it by a mere second. You’re devastated.

This POV is risky and rare, but when done well, it’s unforgettable.

Pros:

• Immediate and immersive
• Unique and bold

Cons:

• Hard to sustain
• Not for every reader or story
• Can become repetitive

So Which One Works?

To help you figure out what POV works best, ask these questions:

• Does the voice feel natural, or forced?
• Who is this story really about?
• What does the reader need to know — and what should be hidden?
• How close do I want the reader to feel to the character?

If you still need more help, write a scene from your story and do it from each point of view to get an idea of which would work best.

Till my pen meets the paper again,

Tatum.