How do we perceive a novel? What influences our impressions of certain characters? Many literary critics would agree that choosing the correct point of view is critical in developing the plot and character of any piece of writing. Quite simply, point of view can be described as the role of the narrator in the story; is the person telling the story as a detached observer, or is he or she actually involved in the events? A narrator who is not involved in the plot may be placed into one of two categories, the first being third person, while the second category is known as omniscient narration. Third person narration deals with events in an objective manner, with no comment on motives. This method has been compared to the “fly on the wall” who sees events but cannot comprehend there significance. The second manner of detached narration, omniscient, is able to reveal the thoughts and motivations of characters, whether it be one, or many. As mentioned before, there is another type of narrator, one who eventually participates in the novel’s events. This is known as narration in the first person. Easily recognized by the use of the word “I”, it involves interpretation of the novel’s events through an active participant, the narrator. This brings a definition of types of point of view, but why does a writer choose a specific viewpoint? An answer may be found by examining the strengths of each option. Narration in third person is useful because it brings objectivity to a novel. The reader’s impression of characters is not clouded by the narrator’s perception. Unfortunately, the reader is never given direct insight into the thoughts or motivations of any of the characters. This leaves the reader to find his own theme in the novel. If the author desires a stronger direction, omniscient narration overcomes this hurdle by obviously showing intentions and motives. However, this power to manipulate ch...
