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E.1 Explore different points of view

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What does “point of view” mean?

Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told. It helps us understand who is telling the story and how much they know about the events and characters.

Examples:
  • First person: “I walked to the store.”
  • Second person: “You walk to the store.”
  • Third person: “She walked to the store.”
Note

Always look for pronouns (I, you, he, she, they) to help you identify the point of view.

First-person point of view

In first person, the narrator is a character in the story. The narrator uses “I” or “we” and shares personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences directly.

Examples:
  • “I couldn’t wait to open my birthday present.”
  • “We went on an adventure through the forest.”
Note

A first-person narrator may not always know everything. Think about how this affects what you understand about the story.

Third-person point of view

In third person, the narrator is not a character in the story. The narrator uses “he,” “she,” or “they” to tell what happens.

Examples:
  • “She hurried to catch the bus.”
  • “They laughed together at the joke.”
Note

Some third-person narrators know only what one character thinks, while others know what every character is thinking. Pay attention to what the narrator reveals.

Comparing different points of view

Different points of view can change the way a story feels. A story told in first person sounds more personal, while third person may feel broader and more detailed.

Examples:
  • First person: “I was nervous before the big game.”
  • Third person: “He was nervous before the big game.”
Note

Think about how the choice of narrator affects what you learn and how you feel about the events in the story.

Why point of view matters

Understanding point of view helps you see how stories are shaped. It can change what details are shared, how characters are described, and how readers connect with the events.

Examples:
  • In first person, you might feel close to the character’s thoughts and emotions.
  • In third person, you may learn more about many characters instead of just one.
Note

As you read, ask yourself: Whose eyes am I seeing the story through? This will help you analyze and understand the text better.