Understanding the Concept of Third Person Omniscient in Writing
Have you ever read a book and felt like the narrator knew everything about every character in the story? Chances are that book was written in third person omniscient point of view.
What is Third Person Omniscient Point of View?
Third person omniscient is a type of point of view in writing where the narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of every character in the story. This gives the storyteller a lot of flexibility in terms of what information they can reveal to the reader, as the narrator has unrestricted access to every character’s mind.
How is Third Person Omniscient Different from Other Points of View?
In contrast to third person limited, which only reveals the thoughts and feelings of one character, and first person, which only reveals the thoughts and feelings of the narrator, third person omniscient gives the narrator a godlike vantage point. The narrator can dip in and out of characters’ thoughts freely, and can reveal information that even the characters themselves may not know.
Why Use Third Person Omniscient?
One of the primary benefits of third person omniscient is that it allows the writer to give the reader a much broader perspective of the story. It can be useful in conveying complex plotlines and themes, as well as giving the reader a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and emotions. Additionally, it can enable the writer to create a sense of distance between the reader and characters, allowing the reader to view events from a more objective point of view.
Examples of Third Person Omniscient in Literature
There are numerous examples of third person omniscient used in literature, including classics like Charles Dickens’ “Bleak House” and Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables.” More contemporary examples include J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars.”
Conclusion
Overall, third person omniscient is a powerful tool that writers can use to give their readers a unique perspective on their story. By allowing the narrator to have unrestricted access to every character’s thoughts and feelings, it allows for a deeper understanding of the story’s plot, themes, and characters. So, the next time you’re reading a book and feel like you know everything about every character, you’ll know that the author is likely using third person omniscient point of view.
