Single or Multiple Point of View?

Should you tell your story through one character’s eyes, or use multiple points of view, switching between different characters as the story unfolds?

It’s an important decision for any novelist because point of view can influence the pace of a story and the reader’s involvement with the characters.

Single point of view

Writing from a single point of view means the reader experiences the story through one character’s perspective. They follow that character’s thoughts, feelings, observations and reactions.

The reader discovers what that character knows, sees and experiences. They are drawn into their world and follow their journey through the story.

For me, this can create a very intensive reading experience. The reader stays close to the character, sharing their thoughts and feelings as events unfold.

Multiple points of view

Using multiple points of view allows the writer to tell the story through the eyes of several characters. It can be a useful way of showing different perspectives, revealing information and allowing the reader to see events from more than one angle.

But there is a danger if you switch too frequently or between too many characters.

Just when the reader is becoming absorbed in one character’s thoughts and getting inside their head, you take them away and move to someone else. That can interrupt their involvement and affect the pace of the story.

Of course, much depends on how it is handled. Multiple points of view can work extremely well, but the writer needs to consider what each change of perspective adds to the story.

Why I chose single point of view

When I first started writing, I experimented with both single and multiple points of view.

I found that using multiple points of view slowed the story down. I enjoy writing fast-paced crime novels, and I wanted to keep the reader closely involved with the central character.

So I made the decision to write from a single character’s point of view only.

For me, following that character through their thoughts, feelings and actions makes for a more intensive experience. The reader stays with them as the story develops, discovering things as they do.

It is the approach that works best for me and for the kind of novels I write.

Which should you choose?

There is no universal rule. Some stories benefit from multiple perspectives, while others are stronger when told through one character’s eyes.

Think about what you want the reader to experience. Do you need them to see events from several different perspectives, or would the story be more powerful if they stayed closely connected to one character?

And consider the pace. Every time you change point of view, you are asking the reader to make a shift. Make sure that shift earns its place in the story.

I experimented with both approaches before discovering what worked for me. You may find the same, or you may discover that different stories call for different approaches.

Ultimately, the choice is yours.

What matters is choosing the point of view that best serves your story and keeps your reader turning the pages.

Watch my video on this: