3rd Person Objective Point View Explained

The 3rd person objective point of view is a narrative technique used in writing where the story is told from an outside perspective, without the use of first-person pronouns such as "I" or "we". This point of view is often referred to as the "omniscient" or "all-knowing" perspective, as the narrator has access to the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of multiple characters. The 3rd person objective point of view is commonly used in fiction writing, particularly in novels and short stories, to create a sense of detachment and objectivity.

Characteristics of 3rd Person Objective Point of View

There are several key characteristics that define the 3rd person objective point of view. Firstly, the narrator is outside of the story, and does not participate in the events that are unfolding. The narrator uses third-person pronouns such as “he”, “she”, and “they” to refer to the characters, rather than first-person pronouns. Additionally, the narrator does not have direct access to the thoughts and feelings of the characters, and instead must infer them through their actions and dialogue. This creates a sense of distance and objectivity, allowing the reader to form their own opinions and interpretations of the story.

Types of 3rd Person Objective Point of View

There are several sub-types of 3rd person objective point of view, each with its own unique characteristics. The limited 3rd person objective point of view, for example, focuses on a single character’s thoughts and feelings, while still maintaining an outside perspective. The free indirect 3rd person objective point of view, on the other hand, allows the narrator to move freely between different characters’ perspectives, creating a more fluid and dynamic narrative. The omniscient 3rd person objective point of view, as the name suggests, provides the narrator with complete knowledge of all characters’ thoughts, feelings, and motivations, allowing for a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the story.

One of the key benefits of the 3rd person objective point of view is its ability to create a sense of objectivity and detachment. By not being directly involved in the story, the narrator can provide a more balanced and impartial perspective, allowing the reader to form their own opinions and interpretations. Additionally, the 3rd person objective point of view allows writers to create complex and nuanced characters, with rich inner lives and motivations that can be revealed through their actions and dialogue.

Examples of 3rd Person Objective Point of View in Literature

The 3rd person objective point of view is commonly used in literature, particularly in novels and short stories. Examples of famous works that use the 3rd person objective point of view include Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, and 1984 by George Orwell. In each of these works, the 3rd person objective point of view allows the narrator to provide a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the story, while also creating a sense of distance and objectivity.

In conclusion, the 3rd person objective point of view is a powerful and versatile tool for writers, allowing them to create complex and nuanced stories that engage and captivate readers. By choosing the right type of 3rd person objective point of view, writers can control the level of intimacy and distance between the reader and the characters, creating a unique and immersive reading experience.