Changing character PoVs throughout

Dagrami · Feb 27, 2012

I always imagined my current story would be told from the point of view of just one character.

However, as I go along, I'm realising more and more that certain aspects of the plot/world-building could be told much better from one of the other character's perspectives instead.

So now I'm thinking that I should perhaps tell the story from both of their perspectives, seeing as that's what the story is lending itself to. Is having multiple PoV characters all that common in YA? I can think of a few, but it doesn't seem to be all that prevalent. Would it be, in your opinion, best to avoid?

After a certain point in the story, however, the second PoV character is not needed as a narrator anymore, but they are still a main character involved in the plot.

Now that I've decided on perhaps using multiple PoVs though, I'm thinking I could go on to use some of the other characters' perspectives later on.

So, what I'm trying to ask is as follows: Would it bug you if (out of five main characters) some characters intermittently became PoV characters, even if they later remain in the story?

I would have one character as a constant PoV but then the other would change (but probably only ever two at the same time).

LindsayM · Feb 27, 2012

This is an interesting question. I edit a lot of YA, but this question is good for all kinds of novels.

First, multiple POVs in YA is common. That's okay. But.

Essentially, if you're going to use multiple perspectives (POVs), those perspectives need to be consistent throughout the story. One chapter for one character, who never gets to speak again, is jarring for the reader. Any character who gets the chance to speak as a first person in your novel should have the chance to do so throughout the novel (unless, of course, you kill them off).

You need to pick your POV characters, stick to them, and develop them. It's a choice you need to make as the author - do you want two perspectives or one?

theresa.mcclinton · Feb 27, 2012

well, my MC's POV is the POV of all 3 of my novels, with the exception of the 4th Novella that i'm planning on writing. I think i am going to head hop in that novel, which i'm really looking forward to! What Lindsay is right though, if you are going to have your characters tell the story in their POV, then make it consistent so it doesn't confuse the reader. They will look forward to the next chapters in that character's POV, and i know i've enjoyed those types of POV changes.

Salt · Feb 27, 2012

It wouldn't bug me in the least. I love books that change POV as long as the story is still connected will between the shifts. Another thing to watch out for is the voice being unique to the characters and not sounding all the same. I read one book where a elderly man talked the same way the young adults. It was unrealistic. So just watch out for that and make sure it's not too many characters to keep up with.

totopink · Feb 27, 2012

I actually tend to like multiple POV's just so long as they're consistent.
I read one book where there would be really small chapters that switched to the POB of the MC's parent or schoolfriend and discussed the MC's behaviour, that really didn't work. However I've read other books where their have been equally small chapters that switch to the POV of say Death or Fate which has worked very well.
Then there have been other books where one MC has started with their POV and another MC has started in a totally different setting/situation with their POV and then gradually their lives interlock and different perspectives can be explored. That's always a good one.
But, yes, I ramble, my personal opinion is that I think POV's are a good idea and work well for YA.

Dagrami · Feb 28, 2012

Dagrami said:
So, what I'm trying to ask is as follows: Would it bug you if (out of five main characters) some characters intermittently became PoV characters, even if they later remain in the story?

Thanks for the feedback. Hm, yes... So far the opinion seems to be that removing a character's PoV status is a bad idea.

My story is centred around five main characters. For some of the story they are all together, but there are parts preceeding and proceeding this that some of them are on their own, without the planned PoV character.

Some of the stuff that happens to them in the absence of the main PoV character is quite important (especially one of them) and I thought it might be better to tell it through their eyes, rather them having to explain it to the MC or what not.

It's just that, when they're all together, the story only really works if told purely from the MC's perspective, so I wouldn't want to use the others' perspectives at that point.

KateSmash · Feb 28, 2012

You definitely don't need to keep the POV regularly rotating between characters. If it is important to the story, it's all right to have it shift to different events away from the main POV.

Recent example: Cinder. Most of the book revolves around the title character. But it does shift to Prince Kai on occasion, and once or twice to the scientist (whose name escapes me at the moment). Neither get nearly as much POV time, and there isn't any pattern to the shift. It works well and really isn't jarring since there are nice, clean chapter breaks.

Now, I personally think this works best in third person. But I'm generally a bigger fan of third over first.

Dagrami · Feb 28, 2012

KateSmash said:
You definitely don't need to keep the POV regularly rotating between characters. If it is important to the story, it's all right to have it shift to different events away from the main POV.

Thanks, Kate. That's good to hear! I was worried it could be construed as weak storytelling to have just the odd chapter from someone else's perspective, I don't know why.

Windcutter · Feb 28, 2012

Under the Never Sky also has two POVs, though they are consistently 50-50.

I must say it bugs me a bit when there is like 80% of MC POV and also some bits from other characters scattered throughout, I always have this thought of the author being lazy and just wanting to explain stuff about secondary POV characters without having to show it. But that's just me--I'm the kind of reader who is easily jarred by any and all POV shifts. But you don't need a regular rotation, all kinds of rotations can be done.

Toothpaste · Feb 28, 2012

Nothing wrong with switching POVs (am doing that myself in my latest), but make sure it's because that's how you want to tell the story, and not because you can't reveal certain exposition any other way. I find a lot of people ask if they can switch POVs because they can't think of any other way to get information across, not because they are interested in that POV.

Don't use it as a storytelling cop out. Use it because it is something you want to explore.

Changing character PoVs throughout

Dagrami

stuck in the middle

LindsayM

theresa.mcclinton

"Crossing Realms of YA Romance."

Salt

New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin

totopink

Dagrami

stuck in the middle

KateSmash

this was a triumph

Dagrami

stuck in the middle

Windcutter

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!