Point of View and the Narrator Mr. Adkins Slide 2 The Author and
Audience Why is the narrators point of view important? Helps
audience analyze the authors purpose for choosing a certain
narrator or story-teller to communicate the events of a story A
reader must get inside the authors head! Helps audience identify
how the narrators point of view/perspective influences the reading
experience Writers dont randomly choose their narrator, they want
to connect with you! Bring you to their world! Slide 3 While
Reading, Ask Who is this person or voice speaking to me? Why would
the writer choose to tell the story this way? Think about it In
real life, when a friend tells you about a funny or scary event
that happened to them or someone else, your attitude and opinion
depends on Your friends personality. Are they honest or maybe
dramatic? Do they exaggerate? Did your friend actually witness the
event? How much do they know about what happened? Slide 4 Most
Common Points of View First Person Author narrates using the voice
of a character in the story In a way, the author becomes a
character The writer adopts the characters speech, personality, and
experiences. The first person narrator/character usually has an
impact on the action of the story Story is told using personal
pronouns I and We Third Person Author uses a non-invasive narrator
Acts as an observer outside of the story Uses pronouns He, She, or
They Two Types Limited Only reveals what the main character knows,
thinks, and feels. Limited to following ONE character Unlike first
person, the narrator has more freedom of voice (ex. descriptions,
outside opinions, language) Omniscient Knows thoughts, feelings,
and actions of ALL characters in a story An all-knowing voice
overlooking the entire anthill Ability to use tools like dramatic
irony where audience and narrator may know future conflict unknown
to main character Slide 5 Slide 6 For Example First Person: While
reading, ask What would this story gain/lose if told in third
person point of view? Slide 7 Slide 8 Slide 9 Your turn! Begin a
brief story (about 5 sentences) based on the picture provided
BEFORE YOU START! 1 st Choose a voice to use as your storyteller
You can think of a celebrity, family member, fictional character,
someone totally new 2 nd Choose the best point of view for your
voice first person, third person limited, or third person
omniscient 3 rd Imagine how your storyteller/narrator would feel
about the scene. How would they speak? (Are they funny, rude,
brave, or loving?) What is their attitude? (nervous, confused,
cheerful, etc.) IN YOUR STORY, ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
Where is this taking place? (Provide a short description of what it
looks like) Who are your characters? (You may choose to have one or
several) How did your character/characters get there? What will
happen next? (Imagine a problem or discovery just around the
corner) Slide 10
