Much has been written on point of view: what it is, how it works and ways a writer can implement the technique to tell a story. Hands down it was probably the most difficult concept for me to grasp, yet once I realized all I need to do was crawl inside my character's head, make myself comfortable on their sofa made of grey cells and neurons, and then watch the world unfold through their eyes, POV fell into place.
Point of view matters because no two people think, act, or view a situation the same way. What one person enjoys, another dislikes. One one fixates on, another may not even notice.
Here's an example:
Here's an example:
A little silly, I know, but it illustrates how two people can share one experience, yet react differently to the same stimuli. One imagines frolicking in the crystal fresh water without a care in the world. The sun is shining, birds are singing, and it's a fun-filled, joyous day.
Meanwhile, a dark cloud hangs over the other person. Flies and mosquitos buzz and harass, alligators lurk at the water's edge. She imagines a decomposing body rising to the surface of the murky bog. This place is hell on earth!
Point of view matters, just get inside that character's head!
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Anne,
ReplyDeleteI loved the slide show! It has always fascinated me how two people can view the exact same thing so differently. But I know why you pictured a dead body being pulled from the river. You're a mystery writer and, like most of us, you see mystery everywhere. :)
So true, Pat. I almost always jump to the worst possible scenario when anything minor happens. For instance, if hubby is late arriving home, I fear he's been in an accident or suffered some other horrid fate. Then, I imagine the crumpled vehicle, mangled body, and pretty soon I'm planning his funeral. Inside of ten seconds I go from normal to just weird. It's helped me as a writer, but as a wife, mother and friend, well, not so much!
DeleteReading your reply to Pat made me chuckle because I could have written it. I'm as bad as you are when it comes to overthinking and over-reacting to things. LOL Excellent post, and slide show, Anne. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMarja McGraw
I'm smiling, too, Marja, because I think writers have so many things in common. Our imagination, for instance. Our jumping to conclusions. It's what makes us who and what we are. COMPLICATED!
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