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Limits and value of limited 3rd person POV: Editor's Notes #133 November 15, 2012

Hello, ". . . young writers shouldn't be afraid of striving to emulate their favorites. It's a good way to learn, as long as you move on from it and don't publish too many of the results." --Poppy Z. Brite In this issue: 1. Limits and value of limited third person point of view 2. Tickled my funnybone 3. Interesting Web site ========== 1. Limited third person POV Limited third person POV is similar to first person POV (see issue 129) in that the narrator can give the thoughts and feelings of only one character, usually the main character or protagonist. It is different from first person POV in that the narrator tells about the main character using the pronouns he and she rather than I. It also allows the narrator to describe actions other than those that the main character observes as long as the inner lives of other characters are revealed only by their own actions and by what others say about them. Strengths of limited third person POV Allows descriptions of all characters, including the main character Allows a focus on the inner life of one person Has the potential of creating a deep connection with the main character Weaknesses of limited third person POV Can show only one inner life throughout the story Doesn't work well for stories with lots of action Examples of limited third person POV For Whom the Bell Tolls (Ernest Hemingway) Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) This series on point of view offers you the challenge of switching the point of view of something you are writing and observing the changes that creates in the writing. Those who want to dig deep on this one might try writing something in first person and then switching to limited third person or vice versa. I'm always happy to hear about your experiments and what you learn from them. =========== 2.Tickled my funnybone Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.  =========== 3. Interesting Web site If you need to research a date in history, this site can give you some quick facts. This could be a great jumping off spot for further research. http://www.scopesys.com/today/ =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html

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