pointofview

Point of view refers to the perspective from which a narrative or discourse is presented. It encompasses who is telling the story, how much they know, and how their stance shapes what is revealed to the reader or viewer. Point of view can influence interpretation, empathy, and the perceived reliability of the information.

In literature, the main narrative modes are first person, second person, and third person. First person uses the pronoun I and presents events as experienced by a participant. Second person uses you, placing the reader directly into the action. Third person uses he, she, or they and can be further divided into omniscient, limited (following one character), or multiple perspectives. Omniscient narration can reveal thoughts and motives of many characters, while limited or close narration confines access to a single character’s inner life. Objective narration presents events without internal access. Techniques such as free indirect discourse blend narrator and character voice, and unreliable narrators can cast doubt on events or motives.

In film and other media, point of view also denotes visual perspective. A POV shot shows what a character would see, while voice-over narration furnishes a particular viewpoint or bias.

In nonfiction, point of view denotes the author’s stance or perspective on an issue, which can influence interpretation and the presentation of evidence. Analyzing point of view helps assess credibility, bias, and the intended effect on an audience.