POV stands for Point of View. It’s about how people see the world around them, understand events, and tell stories. Different people have different POVs, and that can change how they feel or think about something. This blog will explain the theories for POV in simple, easy-to-understand language, perfect for kids and beginners!
What Is Point of View (POV)?
Imagine you’re standing on top of a hill. You can see houses, trees, and cars below. But someone standing at the bottom of the hill sees something totally different—they might only see the hill and the sky.
POV is like where you’re standing and how you’re looking at things. In stories, it’s how the storyteller (or character) shows the world to you.
Why Is POV Important?
- It helps us understand different opinions.
- It makes stories exciting.
- It changes how we feel about characters or events.
Here’s an example:
- First Person POV: “I saw the monster in the dark.”
- Third Person POV: “She saw the monster in the dark.”
Both tell the same event, but they feel different!
The Three Common Types of POV
Here are the three main POVs used in storytelling:
1. First Person POV
The storyteller is a character in the story.
- Words to look for: I, me, my, we
- Example: “I went to the park, and I saw a big dog.”
2. Second Person POV
The storyteller talks directly to you.
- Words to look for: you, your
- Example: “You went to the park and saw a big dog.”
3. Third Person POV
The storyteller is outside the story.
- Words to look for: he, she, they, it
- Example: “He went to the park and saw a big dog.”
Theories for POV
Now, let’s look at some ideas or “theories” about how POV works in stories or real life.
1. Subjective vs. Objective POV
This theory asks: Is the POV personal or neutral?
- Subjective POV:
- Shows personal feelings or opinions.
- Example: “I felt scared when the dog barked.”
- Objective POV:
- Shows only facts, no feelings.
- Example: “The dog barked loudly.”
| Subjective | Objective |
|---|---|
| Shows feelings | Shows facts only |
| “I was happy” | “She smiled” |
2. Limited vs. Omniscient POV
This theory focuses on how much the storyteller knows.
- Limited POV:
- The storyteller knows only one character’s thoughts.
- Example: “Sarah wondered if the dog was friendly.”
- Omniscient POV:
- The storyteller knows everything about everyone.
- Example: “Sarah was scared, but the dog just wanted to play.”
Visual Example:
| Limited POV | Omniscient POV |
|---------------------|------------------------|
| Focuses on one person | Knows everyone's thoughts |
| Feels personal | Feels all-knowing |
3. Psychological POV
This theory is about how POV changes based on emotions and thoughts.
- A happy character might see the world as bright and cheerful.
- A sad character might describe the same world as dull and gray.
Example:
- Happy POV: “The sun was shining, and the flowers looked beautiful.”
- Sad POV: “The sun felt too bright, and the flowers looked like they were dying.”
Diagram:
Emotion --> Changes POV --> Affects Story
4. Social or Cultural POV
This theory looks at how your background changes your POV.
- A kid from the city might describe a farm as “quiet and boring.”
- A kid from the farm might describe the city as “loud and exciting.”
Think About It:
Where you grow up, your family, and your culture all shape how you see the world!
How POV Works in Real Life
POV isn’t just for books—it’s part of everyday life!
- Example:
- A teacher might think a student is “not paying attention.”
- But the student might be feeling nervous about answering questions.
By understanding other POVs, we can:
- Solve problems better.
- Be kinder to others.
Fun Exercises
1. Write a Story in Different POVs
Pick a simple event, like “a trip to the zoo.” Write about it in:
- First Person
- Second Person
- Third Person
2. Draw a Picture from Two POVs
- Draw how you see your classroom from your desk.
- Then, draw how your teacher sees the classroom.
Final Thoughts
POV is all about understanding how we see the world, how others see it, and how stories are told. By learning about the theories of POV, you’ll get better at understanding books, movies, and even your friends!
