Changing the point of view in a story?

Question

I'm working on a novel (written in first person) and need a good opinion: is it alright to have the point of view switch between two main characters? How often is this acceptable? Does this throw you off when you're reading? Please, give me any thoughts you might have.

Answer 1

POV or Point Of View can be a complicated process and nowadays authors are using multiple POV's, otherwise known as 'head-hopping' to the point of distraction.

As an editor and published author, I try to limit POV's to the key players. When working in first person, that main character is almost always the ONLY POV. Third person commonly uses a variety of POV's.

The thing to ask when working in first person is: can my main character (the POV'er) see and hear what's going on? If so, then they can tell this part of the story. First person can be difficult and limiting to write as you're limited to only what that person sees and hears.

If you need something else happening in the story, something outside the realm of the POV'er, one of the easiest ways to handle that situation is to break your POV's into chapters.

For example:
Prologue and Chap 1 = 1st person (1POV)
Chap 2 = another person (2 POV)
Chap 3 = (1 POV)

I've read a few novels written this way. It is very rare to have 1st person and then multiple (2POV and 3POV) points of view too.

The key is to make sure your readers always know whose head they're in. There is nothing more frustrating than reading a POV head-hopping scene where you have to flip back 2 pages and start reading all over again, just to figure out who is saying what.

If you chose 1st person, it is usually because you want the story to be more personal, more emotional. It is almost better to have other characters reveal a fact to the POV'er, than to head-hop. Evaluate why you chose 1st person. Can that person give the information instead of switching to another's POV? If so, then give it to the 1st person POV.

POV is something I watch for when I edit for others. The wrong POV can make a work a nightmare to read. I recently edited for another writer and he head-hopped so much that he was reading everyone's mind. It was irritating and confusing...and his story was completely lost. Once he chose a way to handle POV's, his story shone.

By the way, when using third person, there are two easy ways to deal with POV changes. Start a new chapter, or (my favorite) create a scene break. Leave 2 spaces, drop to a new POV and start writing. Scene breaks are very effective for controlling POV's.

I hope this doesn't sound too confusing. Check out these titles on POV:
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers - Renni Browne
Characters & Viewpoint - Writer's Digest

Good luck!

Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Books), The River and Divine Intervention
http://www.kunati.com/catalog_whale_song.html (cool trailer here!)
http://www.cherylktardif.com

Answer 2

As a writer and editor, I can say that I've both used this technique and seen it used many times. If you are going to use this, it is ESSENTIAL that you make it absolutely clear that you are switching characters, and that such a switch is made at well-delineated points.

There are a number of ways to do that. At the beginning of each chapter, switch viewpoints EVERY TIME while giving each character a distinct voice so that your reader will know to expect that.

You can also put an indicator, such as the character's name as a subtitle, at the beginning of any passage where you switch viewpoints. This will allow you more flexibility in the switching, such as by chapter, scene, or even paragraph, if that is what your story calls for.

There are other ways, which I don't think really need to be gone into, but at any rate if you make it clear that the viewpoint has switched and your story is a good one, it shouldn't negatively affect how your audience reads your story.

Answer 3

You can do this, just be very clear about it. A reader should not have to work at trying to figure out who's talking. Personally, if I were writing like that, I would only switch points of view when I changed chapters. Or you could write the first part of your book from one character's pov and the second half from the other. Mull these suggestions over and see what's right for you. Once you write it, you could have a proofreader/editor take a look at it and give their opinion. You can find one for a reasonable price at www.jeanbaileyrobor.com. Good luck with your writing!

Answer 4

Though I read quite a variety of books, and attend writer's workshops, it doesn't seem to work very well. If, perhaps, you do this in different chapters it may work. If you are an experienced writer you stand the best chance - I wouldn't recommend this for a beginner.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I've read many books like this, and it's an interesting technique, when well used. It gives depth, and insight on different characters, while keeping certain things unknown. If that's how you want to do it, go for it!

Answer 6

I <3 your creativity!!!!!!!!!!