Head Hopping

Head hopping is the most common fault a writer will come across when using third person point of view. This occurs when the narrator suddenly changes the character through which the reader is viewing the scene.

Example:
Thank God, water at last. The hero offered a silent prayer as he licked cracked lips and strode toward the well. Despite his need, he cast a furtive glance around the deserted square.

Shadows could hide the creatures hunting him but for now the need to quench his thirst drove him to disregard the danger. He tested the dry air for their acrid scent, lifting his hand from its place on the hilt of his sword as a tangle of dust followed his footsteps.

Creature lifted a finger, signaling his comrade to caution, though their target made no sign of seeing them. He sniffed the dry air and waited, watching.

The slight breeze carried any scent, away from the swordsman. Fingers closed around the familiar shaft of a wicked blade as he slid it clear of an oil-stained sheath. Still his quarry made no sign of being aware of their presence.

The hero struggled to swallow. His parched throat ached as he imagined the touch of cool water crossing his tongue. The well looked untended, but the rope appeared in good condition and if the empty bucket felt brittle to his touch, he knew he had to take the risk of losing it.

Creature nodded and began to creep forward. Each step taken with care, he wouldn't chance disturbing the telltale dust as he used the deepest shadow to hide their approach. His nostrils flared as the sound of water exacerbated the discomfort of extreme thirst.

In silence, he led the way, waiting for the right moment. There would be only one chance. Failure would mean death, and he wasn't about to die in this forsaken end of the desert.

Too impatient to breathe, Hero's heartbeat thundered in his ears as he listened for a splash. When the rope reached its limit and the welcome sound of sloshing water echoed in the narrow shaft, he sighed. Ignoring ever-present danger he wiped his brow and dragged on the wooden handle.

Things To Do
Write a scene using each type of Point of View. Experiment. When you are reading, look at how famous authors use different Points of View to achieve their objectives. Each style has its use. Try them all, practice and then consider how each one can give the author an advantage, in trying to keep the reader 'hooked' and 'involved' to the last sentence of the Fantasy novel.