Exploring the Advantages of Third Person Limited Point of View
When it comes to writing fiction, choosing the right point of view (POV) can make all the difference in creating a compelling story that resonates with readers. Third person limited point of view (TPL) is a popular choice among writers, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of TPL and how it can enhance your writing.
What is Third Person Limited Point of View?
Before delving into the advantages of TPL, let’s define what it is. TPL is a POV where the narrator tells the story from the perspective of one character, using third-person pronouns (he, she, they) to describe what’s happening. The narrator only has access to the thoughts and feelings of the chosen character, providing a limited viewpoint of the events. This is in contrast to third person omniscient POV, where the narrator knows everything that’s happening, and first person POV, where the story is told from the perspective of the protagonist.
Advantages of TPL POV
1. Creates empathy with the protagonist: When readers are given access to the inner thoughts and emotions of a character, it’s easier to connect with them on a deeper level. This can lead to a stronger emotional impact and a greater investment in the story.
Example: In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the story is told from TPL POV, with Harry as the protagonist. This allows readers to experience his struggles and triumphs along with him, creating a more meaningful connection to the character and story.
2. Provides a focused narrative: Because the narrator is limited to the perspective of one character, the story remains focused on their experiences and journey. This can help keep the narrative streamlined and prevent it from becoming cluttered with extraneous details.
Example: In Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the story is told from the TPL POV of Offred, a handmaid in a dystopian society. This allows the story to remain tightly focused on her experiences and struggles, without getting bogged down in world-building details that aren’t relevant to her story.
3. Allows for manipulation of reader perception: By carefully choosing what the protagonist observes and experiences, the author can guide the reader’s perception of events. This can create tension and suspense, as readers try to piece together what’s happening along with the protagonist.
Example: In Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, the story is told from the TPL POV of both Nick and Amy, husband and wife. By carefully revealing key information through each character’s perspective, the author keeps readers guessing about what’s really going on in the story.
Conclusion
While there are many POVs to choose from when writing, TPL is a popular and effective choice for many authors. By creating empathy with the protagonist, providing a focused narrative, and allowing for manipulation of reader perception, TPL can help enhance your writing and create a more engaging and impactful story. Consider using TPL in your own writing to see how it can elevate your storytelling.
