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Point of View and the Emotional Arc of Stories

Devin Ross

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Published in Point Of View And The Emotional Arc Of Stories: A Handbook For Writers And Storytellers

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The point of view (POV) of a story is the perspective from which the story is told. It can be first person, second person, or third person. The POV you choose will have a significant impact on the story's tone, style, and emotional impact.

First Person POV

First person POV is when the story is told from the perspective of one of the characters in the story. The narrator uses the pronouns "I" and "me" and tells the story from their own perspective. First person POV can be very immersive and personal, as it allows the reader to experience the story through the eyes of a character. However, it can also be limiting, as the reader is only able to see the story from the perspective of one character.

Point of View and the Emotional Arc of Stories: A handbook for writers and storytellers

by Loren Niemi

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	462 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	160 pages
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Here is an example of a story written in first person POV:

I remember the day I first met her like it was yesterday. I was sitting in the park, minding my own business, when she walked up to me and introduced herself. She had a beautiful smile and kind eyes, and I was immediately drawn to her. We talked for hours that day, and I felt like I had known her my whole life. I knew that I had to see her again.

Second Person POV

Second person POV is when the story is told to the reader as if they are the main character. The narrator uses the pronoun "you" and tells the story from the reader's perspective. Second person POV can be very engaging and immersive, as it allows the reader to feel like they are actually part of the story. However, it can also be difficult to write, as the narrator must constantly keep the reader in mind.

Here is an example of a story written in second person POV:

You are walking through the forest when you come across a clearing. In the middle of the clearing is a beautiful tree, its branches reaching up to the sky. You feel a sense of peace and tranquility as you stand there, looking at the tree. You know that you have found a special place.

Third Person POV

Third person POV is when the story is told from the perspective of an outside observer. The narrator uses the pronouns "he," "she," and "they" to tell the story. Third person POV can be more objective and detached than first person POV, but it can also be less immersive. Third person POV is often used in stories with multiple characters or in stories that span a long period of time.

Here is an example of a story written in third person POV:

John and Mary were sitting on the park bench, watching the children play. They had been married for 50 years, and they had seen a lot of changes in their lives. But one thing that had never changed was their love for each other.

The Emotional Arc of Stories

The emotional arc of a story is the way that the emotions of the characters and the reader change over the course of the story. A well-written story will have a clear emotional arc that builds to a climax and then resolves itself at the end. The emotional arc can be used to create suspense, excitement, and catharsis in the reader.

There are many different types of emotional arcs, but some of the most common include:

The rise and fall arc: This is the most common type of emotional arc. The story starts with a positive event or situation, but then something happens to cause the emotions to decline. The story then builds to a climax, where the emotions reach their peak, and then resolves itself at the end.
The fall and rise arc: This is the opposite of the rise and fall arc. The story starts with a negative event or situation, but then something happens to cause the emotions to improve. The story then builds to a climax, where the emotions reach their peak, and then resolves itself at the end.
The flat arc: This type of emotional arc does not have a clear rise or fall. The emotions of the characters and the reader remain relatively constant throughout the story.

The emotional arc of a story is an important element that can be used to create a powerful and engaging story. By understanding the different types of emotional arcs and how to use them, you can write stories that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Point of View and the Emotional Arc of Stories: A handbook for writers and storytellers

by Loren Niemi

5 out of 5