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E.1 Understanding different points of view

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What is point of view?

Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told. It shows us who is telling the story and how they see events.

Examples:
  • First person: “I went to the park.”
  • Second person: “You walk into the room.”
  • Third person: “She climbed the hill.”
Note

Always ask yourself: who is telling the story, and how much do they know?

First person point of view

In first person, the narrator is part of the story. The words “I,” “me,” and “my” are clues that the character is telling the story from their own perspective.

Examples:
  • “I woke up early to catch the bus.”
  • “My best friend and I went swimming.”
Note

The narrator can only share what they personally think, feel, or know.

Third person point of view

In third person, the narrator is not part of the story. The words “he,” “she,” “they,” and names of characters show that someone outside the story is telling it.

Examples:
  • “She looked out the window at the rain.”
  • “Marcus and his brother played soccer in the yard.”
Note

Sometimes the narrator knows only what one character feels (limited), and other times the narrator knows what all characters feel (omniscient).

Second person point of view

In second person, the narrator speaks directly to the reader using the word “you.” This point of view is less common in stories but often used in instructions or directions.

Examples:
  • “You open the door and step inside.”
  • “First, you mix the flour and sugar together.”
Note

This style makes the reader feel like they are part of the action.

Comparing points of view

Understanding different points of view helps readers notice how perspective changes the story. Compare narrators to see how each one shows events in a unique way.

Examples:
  • First person: “I felt nervous walking into the classroom.”
  • Third person: “She felt nervous walking into the classroom.”
Note

Think about how the story would change if it were told from another character’s point of view.