Point of View

Second Person

Rarely used for Fantasy writing, this point of view is more common in how to guides and demonstrations. It is when the narrator addresses the reader, taking them into their confidence.

Example
Think about what sort of a story you are trying to tell. Then decide on which point of view will serve your purpose best. For Fantasy you might find second person, addressing your reader the whole time, doesn't give you enough scope to describe action and character's emotions. Then again, it might be perfect for what you want to do.

Point of View: Third Person

Writing in the third person allows the author to describe actions, characters and scenes while distancing themselves from the story. The use of he, she, they, their is indicated, rather than I and we from first person, or you from second. While first person point of view involves the reader in the narrator's story, third person allows scope to step away and give an objective view. Consideration should be given to which style of Third Person point of view an author needs to use, in order to convey the tone and emotional content of their writing.

Third Person: Objective

Consider this point of view as if the author is viewing the story through the lens of a camera. They can only see and hear what the characters are saying, or doing. Emotion is inferred through language or actions. There is no knowing what the hero plans or thinks when using this view point.

Example:
Disturbing clouds of dust the hero strides across a sunbaked square toward a ramshackle well. The hero licks parched lips as he lowers an empty bucket into the depths. A splash sounds as the rope reaches its limit. The hero wipes his brow and with a grunt begins to wind the wooden handle.

Omniscient: Point of View

In Omniscient Point of view, the narrator knows everything. This is god's eye point of view. The author knows what motivates characters and all thoughts, feelings and actions can be related to the reader.

Example:
Thank God, water at last. The hero offered a silent prayer as he licked cracked lips and strode toward the well. He didn't see the two figures lurking in the shadows, watching and waiting. The fetid scent rising from their worn coats didn't reach him, nor did he see the glint of sunlight when one watcher slid a wicked blade clear of an oil-stained sheath.

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.

The watchers crept forward, taking care not to disturb the dust as they moved through deep shadow. Nostrils flared as the sound of water tortured their dehydrated bodies. In silence they moved, waiting for the right moment. They would only have once chance. They knew failure would mean certain death.

The hero held his breath, feeling his heartbeat thunder in his ears as he waited to hear the splash when the rope reached its limit. 'Yes!' Sighing with relief he wiped his brow and dragged on the wooden handle.

Limited Omniscient or Character Driven: Point of View

In this point of view, the narrator sees through the eyes of a single character. The reader is only shown what that character sees, feels or knows. If the narrator wants to change from one character to another, it is wise to limit the altered viewpoint until the end of a chapter. Otherwise the reader can become confused.