Choosing your novel's point of view (POV) is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make—and you need to get it right from the start. The wrong POV can make your story feel distant, confusing, or simply harder to write than it needs to be.
The Main Options
First Person: "I walked into the room."
Third Person Limited: "She walked into the room."
Third Person Omniscient: "Sarah walked into the room, unaware that David had been waiting for her to arrive so he could finally leave."
Let's break down when each works best.
First Person: When to Use "I"
Best for:
Character-driven stories where voice is everythingMysteries where limited knowledge creates suspenseComing-of-age storiesStories requiring deep intimacy with the protagonistAdvantages:
Immediate intimacy: Readers live inside the character's headStrong voice: The narrator's personality shines through every sentenceNatural internal monologue: Thoughts feel seamlessReader identification: "I" makes readers feel like the protagonistDisadvantages:
Limited perspective: You can only know what your narrator knowsVoice must carry the entire book: If the voice gets tiresome, readers will quitDifficult to show the narrator objectively: Hard to describe how "I" look or behave without awkwardnessPerfect for: The Hunger Games, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Catcher in the Rye
Third Person Limited: The Sweet Spot
Best for:
Most novels, honestlyStories where you want some distance from the characterMultiple POV stories (each chapter from a different character)When you need flexibilityAdvantages:
Flexibility: You can describe your character objectivelyEasier to write: Feels more natural to most writersMultiple perspectives: Can switch between charactersReader connection without claustrophobia: Intimate but not overwhelmingDisadvantages:
Less immediate than first person: Slight distance can reduce emotional impactEasy to slip into head-hopping: Jumping between characters' thoughts in the same scenePerfect for: Harry Potter, The Handmaid's Tale, Gone Girl
Third Person Omniscient: The God View
Best for:
Epic, sweeping storiesLiterary fictionStories spanning long periods or multiple locationsWhen the narrator's voice is part of the storyAdvantages:
Complete knowledge: Can reveal any character's thoughts, future events, or backstoryBroad scope: Can show multiple scenes, timeframes, perspectivesNarrator as character: The storytelling voice can have personalityDisadvantages:
Harder to master: Requires skillful handling to avoid confusionCan feel distant: Readers may struggle to connect emotionallyEasy to lose focus: Too much information can overwhelmLess popular with modern readers: Feels old-fashioned to somePerfect for: Pride and Prejudice, The Lord of the Rings, One Hundred Years of Solitude
How to Choose
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What's your story's core strength?
Character's unique voice: First personPlot/action: Third person limitedBroad scope/multiple characters: Third person omniscient2. How much should readers know?
Only what protagonist knows: First person or third limitedMore than any single character: Third omniscient3. How intimate should it feel?
Maximum intimacy: First personModerate intimacy: Third limitedSome distance for perspective: Third omniscient4. How experienced are you as a writer?
Beginner: Third person limited (most forgiving)Intermediate: First person or third limitedAdvanced: Any POV, including omniscientCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Head-hopping: Switching between characters' thoughts within the same scene (unless you're writing omniscient)
Inconsistent POV: Starting in third person, then accidentally slipping into first
Wrong POV for the story: Choosing first person for a plot-heavy story that needs multiple perspectives
POV character isn't the protagonist: If your most interesting character isn't your POV character, reconsider
Test Your Choice
Write the same scene in different POVs:
First person: "I couldn't believe what I was seeing."
Third limited: "Marcus couldn't believe what he was seeing."
Third omniscient: "Marcus couldn't believe what he was seeing, though if he'd known what Sarah was thinking at that moment, he'd have been even more shocked."
Which feels right for your story?
Multiple POV Considerations
If you're using multiple POV characters:
Limit the number: 2-4 main POV characters maximumMake each unique: Each should have a distinct voice and perspectiveGive each significant scenes: Don't switch POV for just one chapterConsider alternating patterns: Every other chapter, or clear sectionsTrust Your Instincts
The "right" POV often feels natural when you find it. If you're constantly fighting your chosen perspective, consider switching. Many successful novels started in one POV before the author found the right one.
Remember: There's no universally "best" POV—only the best POV for your specific story, your skills, and your goals.
Choose wisely, but don't overthink it. The most important thing is to start writing.
