Point of View in Writing

Point of view is about who is telling a story. Some stories are told by a character in the story using the word I. Other stories are told by a narrator who is not part of the story. The point of view changes how you experience the events and characters.

First, Second, and Third Person

In first person, a character tells the story using I and me. In second person, the narrator talks to you using the word you. In third person, the narrator uses he, she, and they to tell about the characters. Most stories use either first person or third person.

Why It Matters

Point of view affects what information you get as a reader. In first person, you only know what one character thinks and feels. In third person, the narrator might know what every character is thinking. Understanding point of view helps you follow the story better.

Fun Facts

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid is written in first person point of view.
• Second person point of view is rare in stories but common in how-to guides.
• Some books switch between different characters' points of view in different chapters.

Did You Know?

Choose Your Own Adventure books use second person point of view, putting you, the reader, right into the story.