7.2 Point of View in Narrative Journalism

Narrative journalists wield powerful tools in their choice of perspective. First-person brings readers into the story, second-person puts them in the driver's seat, and third-person offers a bird's-eye view. Each approach has its strengths and weaknesses.

Selecting the right viewpoint is crucial. It shapes how readers connect with the story and impacts its emotional resonance. Consistency is key – once you've chosen a perspective, stick with it to keep your narrative cohesive and engaging.

Understanding Point of View in Narrative Journalism

Points of view in narrative journalism

Top images from around the web for Points of view in narrative journalism

• 

  Salem | Does narrative perspective influence readers’ perspective-taking? An empirical study on ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Neural Basis of Action Observation and Understanding From First- and Third-Person ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Neural Basis of Action Observation and Understanding From First- and Third-Person ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Salem | Does narrative perspective influence readers’ perspective-taking? An empirical study on ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Neural Basis of Action Observation and Understanding From First- and Third-Person ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Points of view in narrative journalism

• 

  Salem | Does narrative perspective influence readers’ perspective-taking? An empirical study on ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Neural Basis of Action Observation and Understanding From First- and Third-Person ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Neural Basis of Action Observation and Understanding From First- and Third-Person ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Salem | Does narrative perspective influence readers’ perspective-taking? An empirical study on ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Neural Basis of Action Observation and Understanding From First- and Third-Person ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• First-person point of view employs "I" or "we" pronouns placing narrator as character in story providing direct access to thoughts and feelings (personal essays, memoirs)
• Second-person point of view utilizes "you" pronoun addressing reader directly creating sense of immediacy rare in journalism but effective for impact (interactive narratives, instructional pieces)
• Third-person point of view uses "he," "she," "it," or "they" pronouns positioning narrator outside story can be limited or omniscient (news reports, biographies)

Advantages of narrative perspectives

• First-person creates intimacy with reader allows personal reflection effective for immersive journalism but may be perceived as biased limited to narrator's perspective
• Second-person engages reader directly creates sense of urgency can feel forced if overused may alienate readers who don't identify with "you" addressed
• Third-person provides broader perspective allows multiple character viewpoints appears more objective but may create emotional distance requires careful handling to avoid impersonal tone

Selection of effective viewpoints

• Consider story's focus and purpose personal experiences benefit from first-person investigative pieces work well in third-person
• Assess available information and source access limited access necessitates personal approach extensive research suits third-person
• Evaluate desired emotional impact on readers immediate connection use first or second-person broader perspective lean towards third-person
• Analyze subject matter complexity complex topics benefit from detached third-person view
• Consider publication's style and audience expectations some outlets prefer specific point of view for consistency

Consistency in narrative voice

• Establish chosen point of view early in piece
• Avoid unintentional shifts between points of view
• Use transitions when intentionally changing perspective
• Ensure descriptions and observations align with chosen point of view
• Review and edit piece specifically for point of view consistency
• Consider impact of quoted material on overall point of view
• Maintain chosen point of view in narrative and analytical sections