Third-person POV

There are subtle differences between Omniscient Narrator, third-person and Deep third-person point of view (POV). But if they’re so subtle how can we know which one our writing falls into? It will affect word choice, and influence the readers’ perception of your characters. Well, read on to find some tips on how to polish your manuscript and make sure you’re using the preferred style for your work.

Not familiar with the different terms. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, I’ll run you through them.

Omniscient Narrator

The writer’s style and voice is reflected throughout the story, telling the story from a narrators perspective by identifying the characters by name. The characters, and their world is shown from a stepped-back perspective. Unfortunately, it can prevent readers from gaining intimacy with your characters, which is something we strive to gain, especially in Young Adult novels. The omniscient narrator doesn’t tell the story from an particular character, but reveals the story from an unbiased perspective and shows it to the reader.

Writing in third-person is intended to make the story personal, dragging the reader into the story. Thus allowing them to view the world through the characters eyes. The story is shown from either one character’s POV or multiple POV’s and will be shown by using the characters name, and him/ he or she/her.

A few months ago I had editorial feedback on my second novel Mischief and Mayhem, and one of the criticisms was that my writing bordered on Omniscient Narrator. Why? Because the third-person POV wasn’t deep enough. What? Impossible! I’d done my homework and developed my writing with the one goal of achieving a deeper perspective. I wanted my readers to intimately feel everything my characters experienced.

So what was I doing wrong? Well, I discovered a few simple revisions that can strengthen your work to gain a deeper perspective. And I’m super proud to say I’ve achieved it! The second critique I received was a glowing review of my submission package, with only ONE critique. (Too much exposition in the first chapter. – It’s a fine line line, my creative friends, as the first time there wasn’t enough.)

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How to gain a deeper perspective using third-person POV?

Don’t overuse the character’s name. It prevents the reader from getting inside the characters perspective, giving the illusion of watching the characters actions. Instead, use the pronouns him/he or she/her.

Remove filler words, such as; seemed, knew, wondered, sensed and felt. Again they prevent the reader from becoming immersed in the characters world. They hold the reader back, giving an Omniscient Narrator style of writing. By removing them you will not only strengthen the show don’t tell, but you’ll allow the reader to drop into the characters perspective.

Most importantly develop the character’s Voice, making sure each character has their own unique and identifiable voice which is different from yours as the writer. For a more in depth look and further tips I strongly recommend reading – Voice. The secret power of writing by James Scott Bell.

Best of luck with your revisions. And as always Happy Writing my creative friends.