Summary
First person, second person, third person, oh my! Learn about five different points of view in writing: First person point of view is when the narrator tells the story from their own perspective. A second person narrator tells a story using the word "you," which places the reader immediately and personally into the story. In the third person objective point of view, the narrator can tell the reader what happens to the characters, but they can’t go inside their heads to reveal what they are thinking or feeling. In the third person limited point of view, the narrator takes on the perspective of a single character, so the reader not only sees what’s going on with all the characters, but also knows what one particular character is thinking and feeling. A third-person omniscient narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of every character in the story. Press "play" to learn about why writers choose which point of view for their stories, and which one makes the most sense for yours!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Point of View:
- What is one new thing you learned about point of view?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining point of view.
- Draw or give one example of your own.