The Perils of POV: A Guide to Avoiding Common Mistakes
Point of view, or POV, is a fundamental aspect of storytelling. It dictates the lens through which the reader experiences the narrative. Choosing the right POV and using it effectively can make or break your story. But even experienced writers sometimes fall prey to common POV errors.
Let's delve into the most frequent mistakes writers make with POV and provide solutions to ensure your narrative remains cohesive and engaging.
1. Shifting Perspectives: The Head-Hopping Headache
One of the most common mistakes is head-hopping – jumping between different characters' thoughts and perspectives within a single scene or even a paragraph. This can be jarring for the reader and create confusion.
Example:
Incorrect: Sarah felt a pang of jealousy as she watched Michael flirt with the new intern. She knew he was just being friendly, but she couldn't help but feel insecure. Michael, on the other hand, was oblivious to her feelings and simply enjoyed the attention.
Solution:
Stick to a single character's perspective within a scene. If you need to switch to another character's thoughts, create a clear break – move to a new scene or use a time jump.
Example:
Correct: Sarah felt a pang of jealousy as she watched Michael flirt with the new intern. She knew he was just being friendly, but she couldn't help but feel insecure. She excused herself to the restroom, trying to calm her racing heart.
Later:
Michael laughed at the intern's joke, enjoying the way her eyes lit up. He was simply being friendly, but he couldn't help but notice Sarah's sudden departure. He wondered what was bothering her.
2. Over-Sharing: The Curse of Omniscience
In third-person omniscient POV, the narrator knows everything about every character. While this can be tempting, it often leads to an overly-intrusive narrator who tells instead of shows.
Example:
Incorrect: Sarah was secretly in love with Michael, but she was too afraid to confess her feelings. Michael was oblivious to her affections, and his playful flirting with the intern only fueled her insecurities.
Solution:
Limit the narrator's knowledge to what a character could realistically know. Focus on revealing information through actions, dialogue, and the character's internal thoughts.
Example:
Correct: Sarah's stomach twisted as Michael laughed at the intern's joke. He was just being friendly, but she couldn't help but feel a sharp pang of jealousy. She excused herself to the restroom, her heart pounding in her chest. She desperately wanted to tell him how she felt, but her fear of rejection held her back.
3. The Third-Person Trap: Slipping into "He Said, She Said"
Third-person limited POV is often used for a more intimate and engaging experience. However, writers sometimes fall into the trap of overusing dialogue tags like "he said" and "she said".
Example:
Incorrect: “I think I’ll go get some coffee,” Sarah said. “Sure, I’ll join you,” Michael said. He smiled at the intern as they walked out of the office together. Sarah felt a lump form in her throat. “Can I help you with anything?” the intern asked, noticing Sarah's discomfort.
Solution:
Use descriptive verbs and actions instead of relying solely on "he said" and "she said." This helps to bring the dialogue to life and avoid a robotic feel.
Example:
Correct: “I think I’ll go get some coffee,” Sarah said, her voice strained. Michael nodded, his gaze lingering on the intern as they walked out of the office together. A wave of jealousy washed over Sarah. The intern, sensing Sarah's distress, asked, “Can I help you with anything?”
4. Jumping into Actions: Missing the Internal Landscape
POV isn't just about what a character does; it's also about what they think and feel. Often, writers neglect to delve into a character's inner world, leading to shallow and emotionally flat storytelling.
Example:
Incorrect: Sarah stormed out of the office, her anger burning like a wildfire. She slammed the door shut and drove home, the engine roaring like a beast.
Solution:
Show the reader what drives the character's actions by exploring their thoughts and emotions. This creates a deeper connection with the character and makes their actions more impactful.
Example:
Correct: Sarah felt a surge of anger, her heart pounding in her chest. Michael's blatant flirtation with the intern was the final straw. She couldn't bear to stay there another moment. She stormed out of the office, slamming the door shut as if she were slamming it in Michael's face. She jumped in her car and sped away, the wind whipping through her hair as she fought back tears.
5. The Unreliable Narrator: Playing with Perspective
While most narratives rely on a reliable narrator, sometimes it's useful to create an unreliable narrator who presents a biased or distorted view of events. This can add depth and complexity to the story, but it requires careful handling.
Example:
Sarah couldn't believe Michael was cheating on her. He was always so attentive, so loving. She couldn't understand why he would do this to her.
Solution:
Use subtle hints and inconsistencies in the narration to reveal the narrator's unreliability. This can be achieved through:
- Contrasting the narrator's words with their actions.
- Using other characters' reactions to question the narrator's version of events.
- Including internal monologues that reveal the narrator's biases and motivations.
Conclusion:
Mastering POV is an essential skill for any writer. By understanding the different types of POV and avoiding common mistakes like head-hopping, over-sharing, and neglecting internal thoughts, you can create immersive and engaging stories that captivate your readers. Remember, POV is the window into your story, so choose it wisely and use it effectively to unlock the full potential of your narrative.