Author’s Point of View
When writing, authors must decide from what point of view
 they want to express their ideas. There are three different
 choices – first person, second person, and a variety of third
 person point of views. The type of pronouns and the genre can
 be a clue when identifying the author’s point of view.
                                FIRST PERSON
                Definition                                  Clues
                                              •   Lets the reader know only what
     A character within the story                 that character knows.
   recounts/retells his or her own
    experiences or impressions.               •   Uses the pronouns: I, me, my,
                                                  mine, we, our, ours.
                              SECOND PERSON
                Definition                                  Clues
                                              •   Uncommon form of writing.
      The story or the piece of               •   Used mainly with instruction
   writing is from the perspective                manuals, recipes, giving
                                                  directions, and poetry.
                of “you.”
                                              •   Uses the pronouns: you, yours.
* Look on the next page for information on the different “Third Person Point of View”
                 THIRD PERSON OBJECTIVE
           Definition                            Clues
                                   •   Lets the reader know only what is
     The narrator remains a            seen and heard, not what
 detached observer, telling only       characters think or feel.
the stories action and dialogue.   •   Uses the pronouns: he, she, it,
                                       they
           THIRD PERSON LIMITED OMNISCIENT
           Definition                            Clues
                                   •   Lets the reader know what one
  The narrator tells the story         character thinks, sees, knows,
  from the viewpoint of one            hears, and feels.
    character in the story.
                                   •   Uses the pronouns: he, she, it,
                                       they
                THIRD PERSON OMNISCIENT
           Definition                            Clues
  The narrator has unlimited       •   Lets the reader know unlimited
 knowledge and can describe            information about the characters.
every character’s thoughts and     •   Uses the pronouns: he, she, it,
   interpret their behaviors.          they