Understanding the Impact of Point of View on Reader's Perception of Characters and Plot

Slide1Point of ViewIndicator:  How does the point of view of the story told affect the reader’s understanding of the characters and plot?

Slide2  First Person Point of ViewWhen a story is told by one of its characters, it is said to be told in first person, using “I” throughout.

Slide3Advantages        Disadvantages • Gives the reader an up close and personal view of the action • Exposes the narrator’s thoughts, emotions, actions, reactions, and motivations • Evokes the reader’s empathy/sympathy for that character’s situation • Conceals hidden motives from the reader • Manipulates/controls what story details are relayed to the reader • Leaves out important information from other perspectives

Slide4 Third Person Point of ViewWhen a story is told by a narrator  outside  of the story, it is said to be told in third person.

Slide5Two Types of Third Person Point ofView Third Person Omniscient  ~ narrator knows all about every character Third Person Limited ~ narrator knows all about a few characters

Slide6Characteristics of ThirdPerson Point of View • Readers learn about multiple characters’ thoughts, feelings, motivations, actions, and reactions • Narrator has a god-like quality knowing all

Slide7Read “The Scholarship Jacket”on page 68.  Identify the point of view used in the story and find two examples to support your answer.  Be prepared to share in class.