How To Write So Readers Would Read

8. The Third Person POV

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Hi, guys. This update will provide you with all you need to know about Third Person POV as a new writer. So, get your notebooks out and jot important points down!

What is Third Person POV? I have already answered to this question in one of the previous updates, but I'll still give all of you a crux of TPP really is. 

Third Person POV involves the narrator telling the story of the protagonist. This kind of narration is detached from the protagonist as it occurs through someone else. Let's understand it with an example. I'm sure most of you must have seen drones. Drones, most of the times help with sophisticated and persistent surveillance. When you view these surveillance tapes, you feel as if you're seeing the real deal with your own eyes. 

That's exactly what a third person narrator sees and describes! It's like watching a Netflix series and describing each and every episode in detail. 

It is characterised by the usage of third person pronouns like, "he", "she", "it", "them" and so on. 

Types of Third Person POVs:

Abbreviations: TP: Third Person 

1. Third Person Omniscient: 

The word "Omniscient" has been derived by the merger of two latin words, which when combined mean- "All-knowing."  So, TPP Omniscient has a narrator who knows it all. The narrator knows everything about each and every character, their backstories, likes-dislikes and what not. They are also allowed to give their opinions about the characters and their decisions. The third person narrator can even forecast or anticipate future events, they can even be at two places at a time. This, however, can be burdensome. As a writer, you'll have to be on your toes to remember each and every detail of your book, because if you don't you'll leave out loopholes. 

It is an especially difficult point of view to write because you'll have to reign in the narrator and try to limit him in certain aspects, otherwise the reader will not be able catch up. So, make sure your narrator doesn't jump from characters, geographic locations and scenarios at full speed. Take it slow. 

Example: From Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling, 

"October arrived, spreading a damp chill over the grounds and into the castle. Madam Pomfrey, the nurse, was kept busy by a sudden spate of colds among the staff and students. Her Pepperup potion worked instantly, though it left the drinker smoking at the ears for several hours afterward. Ginny Weasley, who had been looking pale, was bullied into taking some by Percy. The steam pouring from under her vivid hair gave the impression that her whole head was on fire."

Note. Harry Potter Series are written in Third Person but not just in limited. Some parts also have Omniscient POV. (Example given above)

2. Third Person Limited:

It is also called Third Person Omniscient (Limited). In TP limited, the narrator sticks to one character, as if following him around. This narrator is close to the First Person, the only difference is that they're viewing and describing the story as a total outsider with absolutely no part in it. This is more like being a camera in a reality show which is supposed to be focussed on one character only. Limited TP has a narrower scope than that of TP Omniscient which can be both a boon and a bane for the writer. 

Boon as in: You can literally zoom into your character, even write about their immediate feelings or physical sensations. 

Bane as in: The same narrator can zoom out of your character's mind as well and can have a God's Eye Perspective. This can create distance between the story and the readers so one must execute this POV with perfection. 

Example: From Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K Rowling,

"Harry moved in front of the tank and looked intently at the snake. He wouldn't have been surprised if it had died of boredom itself..."

3. Third Person Objective:

Objective TP is the polar opposite of Third Person Omniscient. This narrator is not allowed to know any of the characters' thoughts or emotions. This narrator can only give superficial traits like, physical features of characters and their actions. Objective TP is a neutral narrator. They have no opinions about the characters either. Objective Third Person is strictly observational, there's no analysis of character involved. Apparently, this type of narrator is practically a reader. He sees the story just as the reader does. 

All in all, you won't be spoon-fed any information about the characters instead you'll have to figure out stuff on your own. You have to figure out what the character might be thinking or feeling. 

I haven't read a book with this type of narration ever before but from whatever I have researched so far, Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway is the most popular one. This was recommended in a Masterclass by renowned writer Margaret Atwood. 

There is also a short story called, "Little Things" by Raymond Carver that you can give a try if you are willing to give this type of POV a shot. 

Advantages of writing in Third Person

1. You can show robust character development and proper character arcs with TPP, as the narrator has access to several characters, their backgrounds etc. 

2. You have a lot of flexibility in writing because your narrator practically knows everything. (Except in case of Objective)

3. You can describe physical features of your protagonist in total detail and it wouldn't be considered cheesy! ;)

4. The readers would be able to completely trust your narrator. 

Practice: 

References:

1. Margaret Artwood's Masterclass

2. Reedsy's POV blog. 

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Hi, guys. 

I have tried my best o explain the third Person POV in layman terms. 

Please let me know if I missed something. 

I would love to see you guys practicing your TPP here. 

Share this book with your writer friends and help them out. 

Lots of love

Isha