Organizing Multiple Points of View in Deep Third-Person Narratives

In modern storytelling, particularly in novels with multiple points of view (POVs), deciding how to structure these perspectives is crucial for maintaining reader engagement and clarity. This is especially true when using a deep third-person perspective, where the reader is deeply immersed in the thoughts and experiences of the character as the narrative unfolds.

Patterns vs. Storytelling

The only absolute requirement when dealing with multiple POVs in deep third-person narratives is that the reader must be able to immediately identify whose point of view is in focus. Techniques for signaling this include chapter titles (as used by George R.R. Martin) and mentioning the POV character in the opening sentence of a chapter. Sometimes, a POV chapter will delve into the thoughts of a minor character who only appears briefly, contributing to a specific plot point before disappearing from the main narrative.

While patterns in the sequencing of POVs can aid a satisfying flow, they should not be rigidly planned from the outset. Writers like George Martin and Stephen King offer insights into how narrative strategy evolves naturally throughout the writing process. The key is to organize characters in a way that best tells the story, rather than focusing on technical patterns that might emerge later.

Adams and Martin suggest: "Organize your characters the way you feel tells your story the best. Don’t concentrate on patterns and technicalities - these will only emerge once the story is completed anyway."

Single POV for Clarity and Engagement

A strong argument can be made for sticking with a single POV, given the potential for confusion. Many agents and publishers may discard manuscripts if the multiple POVs are not handled with absolute clarity within the first few pages. For self-published authors, maintaining a clear and engaging narrative flow is equally crucial. Ensuring that the story flows seamlessly without confusing the reader is paramount.

Flexibility in Narrative Structure

Claiming that a strict pattern must be followed is not the best approach. An A-B-C pattern might make sense in a first draft, but ultimately, the structure should depend on the needs of the story. There may be moments where revealing information in one chapter only to return to it much later creates suspense and depth, utilizing the full breadth of the narrative space.

Some novels, like George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series, and long epics such as Stephen King's The Stand, offer masterful examples of how to manage multiple POVs effectively. These works demonstrate that the reason for shifting POVs can be thematic or driven by the plot, not just a mechanical exercise in pattern-matching.

Conclusion

The best approach to managing multiple points of view in a deep third-person narrative is to let the story guide the structure. Focus on clarity, engagement, and the natural flow of the narrative. Whether you choose one or multiple POVs, the core goal is to tell a compelling story that resonates with your readers.