4.4 Shifting Point of View and Multiple Narrators
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Point of view in fiction isn't set in stone. Writers can shift perspectives, use multiple narrators, or employ unconventional structures to tell their stories. These techniques add depth and complexity, giving readers a richer understanding of characters and events.
From the to epistolary narratives, authors have many tools to play with . These approaches can create suspense, highlight biases, and explore the nature of truth itself. They challenge readers to piece together the full picture from various angles.
Changing Viewpoints
Shifting Perspective and Alternating POV
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- Shifting perspective involves changing the point of view character within a story, allowing the reader to experience events from different angles and gain insights into various characters' thoughts and motivations
- Alternating POV is a technique where the narrative switches back and forth between two or more characters' perspectives, often in alternating chapters or sections ( by Barbara Kingsolver, by George R.R. Martin)
- This approach can create suspense, dramatic irony, and a more comprehensive understanding of the story's events and conflicts
- Shifting perspective and alternating POV can also highlight the differences in characters' perceptions, biases, and interpretations of shared experiences
Rashomon Effect
- The Rashomon effect refers to a narrative technique where the same event is described from the subjective perspectives of multiple characters, often leading to contradictory or conflicting accounts
- Named after Akira Kurosawa's film Rashomon, this technique emphasizes the of truth and the influence of personal biases on the recollection and interpretation of events
- The Rashomon effect can create ambiguity, encourage readers to question the reliability of narrators, and explore the complexities of human perception and memory ( by William Faulkner, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn)
- This technique can also be used to build mystery, as readers must piece together the truth from multiple, often contradictory accounts
Multi-Voice Narratives
Multiple Narrators and Polyphonic Narrative
- Multiple narrators involve the use of two or more narrators to tell a story, each with their own distinct voice, perspective, and role in the narrative
- This technique can provide a more comprehensive view of the story's events, characters, and themes by offering diverse perspectives and experiences ( by Geoffrey Chaucer, by Amy Tan)
- , a term coined by Mikhail Bakhtin, refers to a type of multiple-narrator storytelling where each voice is equally important and independent, creating a dialogic interplay of perspectives
- In a polyphonic narrative, no single voice or perspective dominates the others, and the multiple narrators often represent different social, cultural, or ideological positions ( by William Faulkner, by Junot Díaz)
- Multiple narrators and polyphonic narratives can create a rich, multi-layered storytelling experience that reflects the complexity of human experience and the diversity of perspectives in society
Unconventional Narrative Structures
Epistolary Narrative
- An epistolary narrative is a story told through a series of documents, such as letters, emails, diary entries, or newspaper clippings
- This format allows for multiple perspectives, non-linear storytelling, and the gradual revelation of plot points through the characters' written correspondence ( by Alice Walker, by Bram Stoker)
- Epistolary narratives can create a sense of intimacy and realism, as readers gain direct access to characters' thoughts, feelings, and experiences through their written words
- This structure can also be used to build suspense, as readers must piece together the story's events and conflicts through fragmented, subjective accounts
Frame Narrative
- A is a storytelling technique where a primary narrative acts as a framework for one or more embedded narratives or stories-within-a-story
- The frame narrative often features a narrator or group of characters who share stories with each other, with each embedded narrative typically having its own plot, characters, and themes (The Arabian Nights, The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio)
- Frame narratives can create a sense of unity and coherence among otherwise disparate stories, as the primary narrative provides a context and purpose for the telling of the embedded tales
- This structure can also be used to explore themes of storytelling itself, the power of narrative to shape human experience, and the relationship between reality and fiction (The Princess Bride by William Goldman, Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell)
Key Terms to Review (25)
As I Lay Dying: As I Lay Dying is a novel written by William Faulkner that explores the complex dynamics of a family's journey to bury their matriarch, Addie Bundren. This story is told through the perspectives of multiple narrators, which allows readers to experience the characters' inner thoughts and emotions, revealing their motivations and conflicts. The shifting points of view contribute to a deeper understanding of themes such as death, family, and the human condition, making the narrative rich and multi-layered.
Character agency: Character agency refers to the ability of a character to make choices and act independently, influencing the story's outcome through their decisions and actions. It showcases how characters navigate their circumstances, assert control over their lives, and confront obstacles, highlighting their autonomy in the narrative. A character's agency can be impacted by various factors, including external pressures, point of view, and the presence of multiple narrators, which can shape how a character's motivations and actions are perceived.
Dracula: Dracula is a fictional character created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel of the same name. He is often depicted as a powerful vampire who embodies themes of fear, sexuality, and the clash between modernity and ancient superstition. The novel uses shifting points of view and multiple narrators to provide diverse perspectives on the horror and mystery surrounding Dracula.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, allowing a deeper connection and insight into their experiences. This emotional resonance is crucial in storytelling, as it enables writers to create relatable characters and authentic narratives that engage readers. By fostering empathy, writers can enhance their perspectives, shifting between voices and viewpoints while crafting compelling creative nonfiction or providing constructive feedback.
Engagement: Engagement refers to the emotional and intellectual investment a reader has in a narrative or an author’s platform. It encompasses how effectively a writer can draw in an audience, keeping them interested and connected to the story or content. Engagement is crucial for creating compelling narratives and building a strong relationship with readers, influencing how they perceive and respond to the writing.
First-person: First-person is a narrative perspective where the storyteller uses 'I' or 'we,' creating an intimate connection between the narrator and the audience. This viewpoint allows for a deep exploration of the narrator's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, making it essential for developing a distinct narrative voice. By presenting events through the eyes of a single character, first-person narration can also enhance the authenticity of the story while offering a personal lens on the unfolding plot.
Frame Narrative: A frame narrative is a storytelling technique where a main story surrounds one or more inner stories, creating a 'frame' that provides context and perspective. This structure allows the reader to engage with multiple viewpoints and can enhance the themes or messages within the narrative, offering a deeper understanding of characters and events.
Free Indirect Discourse: Free indirect discourse is a narrative technique that blends third-person narration with the thoughts and feelings of a character, allowing readers to experience the character's perspective while maintaining an objective narrative voice. This method creates a fluid connection between the narrator and the character, enhancing the depth of characterization and emotional engagement. It enables authors to shift seamlessly between different points of view without needing to explicitly signal each transition.
Game of Thrones: Game of Thrones is a fantasy television series based on the book series 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. It is known for its intricate plotlines and a vast array of characters, where multiple narratives are woven together, often shifting perspectives between characters to create a complex story. This narrative style allows for a deeper exploration of various characters' motivations and challenges, which enhances the storytelling experience.
Inner thoughts: Inner thoughts refer to the internal dialogue or self-reflection that characters experience within a narrative. These thoughts provide insight into a character's motivations, feelings, and reactions, helping readers understand their complexities. When shifting point of view or using multiple narrators, inner thoughts can significantly enhance character depth and create a richer reading experience.
Narrative Voice: Narrative voice refers to the style and perspective through which a story is told, including the tone, mood, and point of view that shapes the reader's understanding of the characters and events. This aspect of storytelling significantly influences how readers perceive the narrative, establishing a connection to the characters and setting the overall atmosphere of the piece.
Perspective: Perspective refers to the lens through which a narrative is told, shaping how readers perceive events, characters, and themes. It encompasses the viewpoint of the narrator, which can greatly influence the reader's understanding and emotional response to the story. Different perspectives can reveal unique insights into characters' motivations, create tension, and challenge readers’ assumptions about truth and reality.
Polyphonic Narrative: A polyphonic narrative is a storytelling technique that incorporates multiple voices or perspectives within a single narrative framework, creating a rich and layered tapestry of viewpoints. This approach allows for a more complex exploration of themes and characters, as each voice adds depth and nuance to the overall story. It emphasizes the idea that truth can be multifaceted and subjective, reflecting the diverse experiences of different characters.
Rashomon Effect: The Rashomon Effect refers to a phenomenon where different people have contradictory interpretations of the same event, leading to varying perspectives on truth. This concept highlights the complexity of human perception and memory, especially when multiple narrators recount an incident, each with their own biases and emotions. The term is derived from Akira Kurosawa's film 'Rashomon,' which illustrates how subjective experiences shape individual truths.
Second-person: Second-person is a narrative point of view that directly addresses the reader using the pronoun 'you.' This perspective creates an immersive experience, making the reader feel as though they are part of the story. It can often involve commands or instructions, enhancing the connection between the text and the reader's personal experience.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that captures the flow of thoughts and feelings in a character's mind, reflecting their inner experiences in real-time. This style often mimics the natural rhythm of thought processes, which can be chaotic, fragmented, or nonlinear, allowing readers to experience the character's perspective more intimately.
Subjectivity: Subjectivity refers to how an individual's personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives influence their interpretation of events, ideas, and narratives. It plays a crucial role in shaping storytelling, particularly when various voices and viewpoints collide, providing a richer understanding of the complexity of human experiences. The presence of subjectivity can lead to multiple interpretations and creates an intimate connection between the narrator and the reader.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a novel by Junot Díaz that tells the story of a Dominican-American boy named Oscar de León, who struggles with his identity and dreams of becoming a writer while facing the cultural legacy of his family's past. The narrative employs shifting points of view and multiple narrators, weaving together various perspectives that explore themes of identity, diaspora, and the impact of history on personal lives.
The Canterbury Tales: The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, presenting a frame narrative where various characters share their tales during a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. This work is known for its rich use of multiple narrators, providing diverse perspectives and voices that reflect the complexities of medieval society, showcasing different classes and experiences through storytelling.
The Color Purple: The Color Purple is a novel by Alice Walker that addresses the struggles and resilience of African American women in the early 20th century American South. The narrative employs shifting points of view and multiple narrators, allowing readers to experience the diverse perspectives of its characters, particularly Celie and Shug Avery, which enhances the emotional depth and complexity of their stories.
The Joy Luck Club: The Joy Luck Club is a novel by Amy Tan that explores the complex relationships between Chinese-American daughters and their immigrant mothers. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book delves into themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, and the struggle for understanding across different backgrounds. This work uses multiple narrators to give voice to various characters, effectively showcasing the shifting perspectives that highlight both individual experiences and shared heritage.
The Poisonwood Bible: The Poisonwood Bible is a novel by Barbara Kingsolver that tells the story of a missionary family in the Belgian Congo and explores themes of cultural clash, colonialism, and personal transformation through the distinct voices of its five female narrators. The shifting point of view highlights the complexity of their experiences and the impact of their father's rigid beliefs on their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
The Sound and the Fury: The Sound and the Fury is a novel by William Faulkner that employs a complex narrative structure, using multiple perspectives and shifting points of view to depict the decline of the Compson family in the American South. This technique creates a rich tapestry of voices, illustrating the fragmented nature of time, memory, and human experience, which is key in understanding the characters' emotional turmoil and societal changes.
Third-person omniscient: Third-person omniscient is a narrative perspective where the narrator knows all the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of every character in the story. This viewpoint allows the writer to provide a comprehensive understanding of the characters' inner lives and the plot, creating a rich tapestry of insights and motivations that guide the reader through the narrative.
Unreliable narrator: An unreliable narrator is a storyteller whose credibility is compromised, often due to bias, lack of knowledge, or intentional deceit. This type of narrator can significantly shape the reader's perception of the narrative, especially in relation to the perspective from which the story is told, the comparison with reliable narrators, and the distinct narrative voices that develop throughout the text.