How Readers' Brains Interpret Different POVs: Analyzing the Art of Perspective
As writers, we often choose a point of view (POV) for our stories based on instinct, genre conventions, or personal preference. But have you ever wondered how different POVs impact the reader's experience on a deeper level? I found myself pondering this very question, not satisfied with the simple explanation that "everyone has different tastes." I wanted to understand why certain POVs resonate with me, while others leave me disconnected.
After analyzing my own reading experiences, I’ve come to a conclusion: POV is much more than a simple narrative choice—it's a crucial part of the story's setting and atmosphere. If writers were more conscious of the nuances each POV brings, they could make more informed decisions to enhance their storytelling. Let’s break down how different POVs are interpreted by the reader's brain.
First-Person, Past Tense: A Chat with an Old Friend
The first-person, past tense POV is like sitting down with an old friend who’s recounting a personal story over a cup of tea (or something stronger). This narrative voice feels familiar and intimate, which is why it’s so effective in creating a deep connection between the reader and the protagonist. However, there's a catch: if the story veers too much into complaint territory, the reader's brain might instinctively start searching for solutions, breaking the narrative flow. It’s like when a friend starts venting, and you feel compelled to offer advice—this can pull the reader out of the story. So, writers should be careful to avoid turning their protagonist into a constant complainer.
Multiple first-person, past tense POVs, on the other hand, can feel like a group of friends all talking at once, each interrupting the other. For some readers, this can be confusing and overwhelming, making it hard to stay engaged with the story.
First-Person, Present Tense: The Urgency of a Phone Call
First-person, present tense is often described as having a sense of immediacy or urgency. In my analysis, it’s akin to receiving a phone call from a friend who’s narrating their story in real-time. While some people enjoy long, chatty phone calls, the trend is shifting towards preferring FaceTime—a more interactive and visual experience, which I liken to third-person POV. Phone calls, on the other hand, can feel intrusive, especially when unsolicited, which is why this POV might subconsciously make readers feel like they’re being "sold" something.
Multiple first-person, present tense POVs? That’s like juggling multiple phone calls at once—a stressful and confusing experience for most.
Second-Person, Present Tense: Guided Immersion
Second-person present tense is the most immersive POV out there. It feels like a narrator is guiding the reader through a meditation or therapeutic session, helping them to recall a past experience. The narrator directs the reader’s attention to specific details, making them feel as though they are reliving an event rather than experiencing it firsthand. This POV thrives on the narrator’s commentary, adding depth to the reading experience.
On the other hand, second-person, past tense feels more like a friend reminding you of how you behaved when you were drunk—relatable, but with a sense of distance. And let’s be clear: second-person POV with multiple narrators? That’s like several your friends tells you they have seen you in different places at the same time doing different things —sounds like a perfect POV for a horror story featuring clone invasion, isn't it? Especially, if you need to pay for everything!
Third-Person Limited, Past Tense: The Gossip Circle
Third-person limited, past tense is the most popular POV for a reason—it’s like being part of a gossip circle, where you’re keen to hear all the juicy details about people you know (the characters). This POV works particularly well with multiple perspectives because it’s similar to getting updates on various friends, each with their own story to tell.
Third-person limited, present tense, on the other hand, feels more like attending an old-school gathering where you’re observing people in real-time. It requires the reader to be fully present in the story, which can be more demanding and exhausting, as it doesn’t allow for the same level of detachment. For some it might even be equal of stalking someone.
Third-Person Omniscient: The All-Knowing Fairy Tale
Finally, third-person omniscient is the fairy tale POV. It’s as if a wise, all-knowing storyteller is narrating the entire story, offering insights into the thoughts and feelings of every character. This POV doesn’t lend itself well to multiple perspectives, simply because the omniscient narrator already knows everything that’s happening simultaneously. In this mode, individual characters can become less compelling, as the reader is more focused on the bigger picture.
Conclusion: Experiment, Play, and Have Fun
Understanding how different POVs affect readers’ brains can help writers craft more engaging and emotionally resonant stories. But beyond this, I encourage all authors to experiment with different POVs, especially in short stories. Play with perspectives, explore their strengths and limitations, and find what works best for your unique voice.
Remember, your goal is to create the best experience for your readers, not to showcase your knowledge of narrative techniques. Consistency in POV is key, but so is the willingness to explore and push boundaries. After all, storytelling is both an art and a science, and the more tools you have at your disposal, the more powerful your stories will become.
