Narrative Elements and Perspectives

Front

Point of View

Back

The perspective from which a story is told. Example: The story is told from the point of view of a young girl growing up in the city.

Front

Narrator

Back

The person or voice telling the story. Example: The narrator describes the events in great detail, making the story easy to follow.

Front

Perspective

Back

The way a character or narrator views and interprets events. Example: From her perspective, the argument seemed much more serious than it really was.

Front

First Person

Back

The narrator is a character in the story; uses 'I,' 'me,' or 'my.' Example: I walked into the room, feeling nervous about the test.

Front

Second Person

Back

The narrator speaks directly to the reader; uses 'you.' Example: You walk down the dark alley, unsure of what awaits you.

Front

Third Person Limited

Back

The narrator tells the story through one character’s thoughts and feelings. Example: She wondered if he would ever forgive her, but she didn’t know his thoughts.

Front

Third Person Omniscient

Back

The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters. Example: Everyone in the room was nervous, even though no one admitted it out loud.

Front

Third Person Objective

Back

The narrator only reports actions and dialogue, not thoughts or feelings. Example: He slammed the door and walked out, and she stared silently after him.

Front

Bias

Back

A tendency to favor one side, point of view, or opinion. Example: The news article showed bias by only sharing one side of the story.

Front

Reliability

Back

How trustworthy or accurate the narrator’s account is. Example: The narrator claimed he was innocent, but his reliability was questionable.