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August 25, 2015 / 082515
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Multiple Point of Views in Your Story – Good or Bad?
http://www.writersonthemove.com/2015/07/multiple-points-of-view-good-or-bad.html
By Melinda Brasher
POV (Point of View), is
an topic that could fill whole blogs. My question today is this: What
do you think of multiple POVs in a novel? I'm not talking about
head-hopping (seeing into multiple characters' heads in the same scene,
jumping from one to the other as convenient). I'm talking about telling
one chapter or scene from one character's POV and then using a
different character's POV for the next chapter/scene.
In my YA fantasy novel, Far-Knowing,
I divide each chapter into 2-4 clearly marked sections which alternate
between two characters' POVs (with a third making a few appearances).
The two main POV characters are two young apprentice mages, both young
women, but with different backgrounds, skills, aims, and opinions about
the world. And they don't particularly like each other. I loved
writing the story from both points of view because it showed how the
world is more gray than black and white, and that two people can
interpret the same event completely differently.
I've read quite a few books told from multiple points of view, including one of my favorite YA fantasy trilogies, Hilari Bell's Farsala, and a little one you may have heard of: Game of Thrones.
It's interesting to me, however, how divisive the style is. Look at a couple of reviews of Far-Knowing:
"I
normally don’t like stories that switch a lot from one point of view to
another, and back again. There have been rare cases where I did end up
liking them, in spite of multiple POVs --- but this book is the first
time I remember finishing a book and thinking that the multiple
points-of-view not only failed to detract from the story, but also made
the story better. From the perspective of someone like me who is biased
against that practice, this is quite a testament to Melinda Brasher’s
skill as a writer. It’s terrific."
-from a 5-star Amazon review
"But
for me this book had a major problem, and this was the manner in which
it jumped from one character's point of view to another character's
point of view. Many times, just as I was getting into the story, the
point of view changed, and I had to reestablish the context. Some
readers don't mind this kind of style, so I think many readers will
enjoy this book more than I did."
-from an otherwise positive 3-star Amazon review
"The
characters were well developed and you really got to see into Kalli and
Ista's minds. I do however think that the POV switches came too
frequently. I would've preferred the format to be different, but it
wasn't too distracting."
-from a 3.5-star review
"I
absolutely loved the changing perspective of different points of view
of individual characters. Things aren’t exactly as they seem to be. Very
true."
-from a 5-star Amazon review
Out of curiosity, I just looked at reviews of Game of Thrones that
mention point of view (8 POV characters, by the way), and most say that
it adds so much depth, that we really get to know all the POV
characters, that it brings the story to life, that it shows how even the
bad guys can justify their actions and aren't all bad. Several mention
that they thought it would be confusing or unnecessary with so many
POVs, but that it worked. Several say it WAS confusing at bits but it
was worth it. A few have warnings that the multiple POVs may put off
readers looking for a simple tidy read.
So,
what do you think? Have you ever written anything in this style? Do
you have any examples of books you love (or don't love) told like this?
When you read one, do you find yourself hurrying through one or more
POVs to get to your favorite character? I'd love to hear in the
comments.
Melinda
Brasher loves casual hiking, taking photos of nature, playing in the
shallow little river that runs through her Czech town, and hanging out
at home writing. Her short fantasy story, "Chaos Rises" is now FREE on Amazon (and everywhere else). Her microfiction (38 words) recently won honorable mention in On the Premises' Mini Contest #25. Read "Dusk" for free here. Or visit her online at www.melindabrasher.com
For the Links and TO LEAVE A COMMENT, to to:
http://www.writersonthemove.com/2015/07/multiple-points-of-view-good-or-bad.html
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I hope you found this information interesting and helpful. Too advanced, not enough, just right? I’d really love to know, so please leave a comment – good or bad or email me at: karencioffi@ymail.com
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