#multiple character

Nellia and Hope Character page [COM]

Commission for @/MoonCatNelly 1/3

TF Needle Mishap!

Hey everyone, Abby here with another writing post. Today, we're talking about multiple points of view - when you do and don't need them, how to make them unique, how to make them unique.

Let's start off simple: what is point of view?

In simplest words, point of view is the lens through which a story is told. The most commonly used point of view formats are first person, in which a character tells the story through their own eyes, and third person, in which an outside narrator tells the story.

No matter what, if your story is being told, is has a point of view. Someone is narrating it.

Why might a story have multiple points of view?

Some stories are crafted in a way that warrants the use of multiple points of view in order to be fully digestible or understood. This may occur when a single character can't be in all the places they need to be to tell it, or when there are parts of the story that don't pertain directly to them.

For those of you who've watched Netflix's The Witcher or read Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone, you'll know that the story wouldn't be the same without the use of multiple narratives to tell the story. Had The Witcher followed only Geralt's perspective, it would take much more work for the story's complexity to match its telling, and the same would be true if Child of Blood and Bone focused only on Amari's perspective.

If your story has multiple events happening in wildly different times and places, your telling may warrant the use of multiple points of view.

When should I use multiple PoVs? When shouldn't I?

Consider using multiple PoVs when:

your read needs to know the exact thoughts of more than one character for the duration of a story.

you want to show the ulterior motives of a character.

different parts of the story pertain to different characters specifically, and (usually when) these plot lines converge.

each PoV character has a distinguishable story.

they can all offer information and contributions that the others can't.

Think a little harder about your use of multiple PoVs if:

the PoV characters are always together and always on the same page.

one PoV could provide the same information as multiple.

their stories are the same.

What should I think about when writing multiple PoVs?

Plan and plot, then plan again. Keep in mind that with more characters, story lines, and information to keep track of, there's a greater possibility of encountering plot holes and inconsistencies. Make sure everything is in order and happening, as well as being narrated, in the way that it needs to be for your story to be its best version. So, once again, plan everything! (Yes, this means that multiple PoVs may be a little tougher for our dear pantsers.)

Pay attention to character voice. Not only do you want your characters' story lines to be different, but you also want your characters to be distinguished. Show differences in their thoughts and mannerisms, their narration style, what's important to them. Here are some things to think about in this process:

mannerisms and demeanors.

motivations and goals.

style of narration; what they pay attention to and how they describe it.

what they prioritize in their story line and why.

Multiple points of view can be extremely effective and add new dimensions to your writing, but - like everything else - they take work, and lots of it.

Read this on my website!

Using transition words like “meanwhile” are one way you can go about it, and it’s perfectly fine! As long as it’s clear to your audience where your characters are, then it works out fine!

In many novels, points of view (often reserved for first person books) or any longer parts that focus on one character are often split into multiple chapters, which is another way to go. A lot of it depends on your personal preference. Though you might want to consider how it will read to your audience. If you need to switch the focus among multiple characters throughout the entire story, using transition words a lot may get tiring, and you might want to split it into chapters or use a cutoff symbol (like asterisks * for example) and then begin a whole new paragraph(s). If your main cast of characters have just split up for one or two chapters or a short period of time, then I think “meanwhile” and similar words will work fine. You could also make comparisons between the two situations. 

For example: 

“Much like Jacob, Amy was having a rough time too. The battle was not getting any easier.”

It works well as a transition and lets the reader know the focus has shifted to a different character. 

Use what feels most comfortable to you and your story. Transition words are perfectly fine, and if it makes sense and sounds good to you, then definitely go ahead and use them! :)

Nellia and Kismet Character page [COM]

commission for @/MoonCatNelly 2/3