Point of View Definition: the vantage point from which a story is told
Point of View or POV
The point of view an author chooses to write a narrative from is one of the most important decisions they can make. Each point of view changes the reader’s access to the information coming from the characters, and may change the story completely, depending on important factors such as bias, experiences, and elements of irony. The three most common types are first person, third person limited, and third person omniscient.
In first person point of view, the reader sees the events of the story through the eyes of the narrator, which limits the plot to the experiences and motivations of the narrator using pronouns such as “I”, “me” and “we”. In third person limited, the story is told from the point of view of the narrator who reveals the protagonist’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations from the outside, using pronouns such as “he”, “she”, and “they”. In third person omniscient, the narrator has access to the thoughts, emotions, and motivations of any character at any time throughout the story and not just the protagonist.
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Try it for Free!Notable Examples of Point of View in Literature
The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a series of letters to God written by Celie in first person, which highlights her naivety, her growth and understanding of the world around her, and her relationships with other characters.
Night is a memoir by Elie Wiesel told in first person which highlights Wiesel’s own personal experiences in a concentration camp during the Holocaust.
The General History of Virginia by John Smith is told in third person omniscient, which allows Smith to write about his own heroic deeds while trying not to sound like a braggart.
The Odyssey is told from two different points of view: part I is told in first person, and part II is told in third person omniscient. Part I shows Odysseus’ thoughts of longing to get home, and part II shows the lengths he will go to in order to protect his home once he arrives.
1984 by George Orwell is written in third person limited, which limits Winston’s ability to fully understand the ramifications of his decision to rebel against the oppressive government of Oceania.
Be sure to check out our article, "Point of View vs. Perspective"!
How Tos about Point of View Definition & Examples
How can I help students identify point of view in fiction texts?
Model reading passages aloud and pause to ask students who is telling the story and what clues reveal the narrator's perspective. This helps learners recognize first-person, second-person, and third-person points of view.
Use anchor charts to compare different points of view
Create a visual chart that lists the types of point of view with key signal words and example sentences. Refer to the chart as you read stories together, so students can easily spot differences.
Provide practice with short, focused passages
Select short excerpts from various texts and ask students to identify the point of view, supporting their answer with evidence from the text. Quick activities like this build confidence and skills.
Have students rewrite a familiar story from a new point of view
Assign a well-known fairy tale or classroom story and ask students to retell it from a different character’s perspective. This creative exercise deepens understanding and makes learning memorable.
Encourage discussion and reflection on how point of view shapes understanding
Lead a class discussion about how the narrator’s perspective affects the way events are described and how readers feel about characters. Reflection helps students connect point of view to real-world situations and critical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Point of View Definition & Examples
What is point of view in literature?
Point of view in literature refers to the perspective from which a story is told. It determines whose voice narrates the story and shapes how readers experience the events and characters.
How do first-person, second-person, and third-person points of view differ?
First-person uses "I" or "we," letting readers experience the story through the narrator's eyes. Second-person uses "you" to address the reader directly. Third-person uses "he," "she," or "they," presenting the story from an outside narrator's perspective.
Why is point of view important in storytelling?
The point of view shapes how readers connect with characters and events. It influences the amount of information revealed, emotional impact, and how readers interpret the story's meaning.
What are examples of different points of view in well-known books?
Examples include first-person in The Diary of Anne Frank, third-person omniscient in Harry Potter, and second-person in Choose Your Own Adventure books.
How can teachers help students identify point of view in a text?
Teachers can encourage students to look for pronouns, consider who is telling the story, and discuss how the narrator's perspective affects the information shared and feelings conveyed.
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