Third Person Perspective Techniques

The video tutorial explores third person limited and omniscient perspectives, emphasizing their similarities and differences. It explains the spectrum of closeness in third person narration and how to decide the level of closeness for a story. The tutorial discusses the importance of consistency, avoiding head hopping, and using multiple perspectives for exposition and pacing. It also covers methods for switching perspectives, such as using chapter headings. The video concludes with tips for writing in third person limited, suggesting that some decisions are best made during editing.

What is the main similarity between third person limited and omniscient perspectives?

• Both use a first-person narrator.

• Both focus on a single character's thoughts.

• Both avoid describing external events.

• Both have an external narrator.

How does the third person limited perspective differ from omniscient?

• It allows for multiple narrators.

• It avoids any character's thoughts.

• It focuses on a single character's thoughts.

• It describes events from a first-person view.

What is the defining feature of third person perspectives?

• An external narrator tells the story.

• Focus on dialogue over narrative.

• Avoidance of character thoughts.

• Use of first-person pronouns.

In the closeness spectrum of third person limited, what happens as you get closer to the character?

• The narrative becomes more detached.

• The story shifts to a different character.

• There is less focus on inner monologue.

• The narrator becomes more in touch with the character.

What is a key consideration when deciding where your story falls on the closeness spectrum?

• How close you want to be to the protagonist.

• The length of the chapters.

• The number of characters in the story.

• The genre of the story.

Why is it important to maintain consistency in the closeness spectrum?

• To allow for multiple narrators.

• To avoid confusing the reader with random changes.

• To focus solely on external events.

• To ensure the story remains unpredictable.

What is 'head hopping' in third person limited?

• Switching focus between characters mid-scene.

• Using multiple narrators in a single chapter.

• Avoiding any character's thoughts.

• Describing events from a first-person view.

How can multiple perspectives be used effectively in third person limited?

• To confuse the reader with different viewpoints.

• To avoid any narrative consistency.

• To provide exposition and world-building.

• To focus solely on one character's thoughts.

What is a benefit of switching perspectives in a story?

• It allows for a single, unchanging viewpoint.

• It can re-engage the audience and control pacing.

• It avoids any character development.

• It focuses solely on external events.

Which method does George R.R. Martin use to switch perspectives?

• He uses chapter headings with character names.

• He switches perspectives mid-paragraph.

• He uses first-person narration.

• He avoids naming the perspective character.