Character’s Point of View

=====================================

Definition

The Character’s Point of View (CPO) is a narrative technique used by writers to explore the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of their characters. It involves presenting the story from the character’s perspective, allowing readers or audiences to experience the world through their eyes.

History

The concept of CPO has its roots in ancient Greek tragedy, where playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides used direct address to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the audience. In modern literature, CPO emerged as a distinct Narrative Device in the 19th century, particularly in the works of authors like Henry James and George Eliot.

Types of Character’s Point of View

There are several types of CPO, including:

  • First-Person Narrative: The character speaks directly to the reader, using first-person pronouns such as “I” or “me.” Examples: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
  • Third-Person Narrative: The story is told from an external perspective, often using third-person limited or omniscient narration. Examples: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series.
  • Unreliable Narrator: The character’s perception of reality is distorted or false, creating a sense of mystery and tension. Examples: Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl.

Techniques for Creating Character’s Point of View

Writers use various techniques to achieve a strong CPO, including:

  • Dialogue: The character’s words and conversations can reveal their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Example: Shakespeare’s Hamlet, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
  • Description: The setting, characters’ appearance, and physical sensations can help the reader immerse themselves in the story. Example: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
  • Imagery: Vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, and smells can create a rich and immersive experience for the audience. Example: Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories, H.P. Lovecraft’s The Call of Cthulhu.

Impact on Storytelling

The Character’s Point of View has several benefits for writers:

  • Immersive Experience: By sharing the story from a unique perspective, writers can create an immersive experience for their audience.
  • Character Development: CPO allows readers to connect with characters on a deeper level, as they feel like they are experiencing their thoughts and emotions firsthand.
  • Thematic Depth: The Character’s Point of View can also reveal themes and ideas about the human condition, making the story more nuanced and complex.

Conclusion

The Character’s Point of View is a powerful Narrative Device that allows writers to explore the inner workings of characters. By mastering this technique, writers can create immersive experiences for their audience, develop complex characters, and craft stories with depth and nuance.

References

  • Austen, J. (1813). Pride and Prejudice.
  • Eliot, G. (1878). Middlemarch: A Study in Economic Life.
  • Hardy, T. (1891). Tess of the d’Urbervilles.
  • Flynn, G. (2013). Gone Girl.
  • Rowling, J.K. (1997). Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.