Can you use multiple POV's in a novel?

Question

Can you use multiple POV's in a novel?

Answer 1

Absolutely.

Take Barbara Kingsolver's striking novel, "The Poisonwood Bible." The book indulges the points of view for all members of the family in the story. It is not very subtle, but there is no mistake as to whose point of view you are reading. A single event can take place in the story and four characters can give their thoughts and feelings on that none subject, yet none of their opinions and thoughts are the same. It is almost like getting four or five books in one.

It is also sometimes a good idea to give multiple points of view in a more subtle way than Kingsolver. A good example is Carson McCullers' "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter." You get to read nearly all the characters' points of view, but they aren't divided up into labeled chapters like in Kingsolver's book. McCullers' method is more integrated, but still effective.

Answer 2

You can do whatever you want in a novel. It might not work out, but why not give it a try? An excellent example of a novel written with more than 1 POV is "House of Sand & Fog" by Andre Dubus III. Each chapter begins with a different character's standpoint, which makes the novel very interesting because no two characters think alike.

Answer 3

Yes, you can. If you mean to have many different characters telling the same or even different story(s) within a novel, then of course. I have even read books were it's third person in several chapters, but where the majority of the book is in first person, because it is written as a journal. So don't sweat it. But it is cleaner if the POV's are clearly separated by either headings, chapters and even fonts.

Answer 4

Yes, you can use multiple POV's in a novel. In fact, Tom Clancy has used that style to perfection. I also use it in my fantasy books, sometimes with as many as five POV changes in the same chapter. You have to be careful to avoid making abrupt changes or POV shifts that aren't clear to the reader. Never overdo a good thing.

My rule of thumb is, if he/she is not a major character in the story, don't give that person their own POV. Also, it works well if you use dialogue to indicate a POV shift, although that is not a requirement.

Good question. I hope this information is helpful.

Jon Baxley
Author
THE SCYTHIAN STONE
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY
THE REGENTS OF RHUM

(For a free demo eBook, email me at [e-mail])

Answer 5

there is not any known POV with a particular type (nicely, until eventually that is an autobiography). the in person-friendly words stressful i'd pretty advise no longer utilizing is 1st man or woman once you're writing epic myth. i tried it and it became a killer. Switching off between 2 element of perspectives is totally fantastic. i does no longer ideas see you later because it isn't too in many circumstances. some authors swap off a lot that it turns into stressful.

Answer 6

Yes. I've read books in which two main characters alternate points of view in different chapters. Also, I've read novels that have main different points of view, up to a dozen. Just make sure that you separate the POVs with chapters, or otherwise make it known that it is changing.

Answer 7

Yes in the book Old Magic there are two people point of view it's cool i love multipe POV novels good luck kelsey

Answer 8

Yes. It's sometimes frowned upon, so you have to do it right. There should be ONE central viewpoint, but others given their own sections, more or less. Frank Herbert always used multiple viewpoints in his novels, sometimes to brilliant effect, but the only drawback is that if done wrong, the story being told becomes nothing more than a muddle.

Answer 9

Yes you can. It is important to maintain continuity through a segment in order not to confuse the reader. I've read numerous books that change points of view chapter by chapter. I think it is a great style as it allows you into the thoughts of the different characters.

Answer 10

Yes, you can. However, make sure that one of them is the main one. Otherwise it would seem to the reader to be a collection of short stories. As a reader, one needs to identify with the characters in the story. If you have multiple points of view it does tax the reader. Make sure one of the characters remain predominant through out to keep the reader going.