Name that POV
The narrator is a character in the story and uses words like I, me, my, and we.
What is first-person point of view?
IDENTIFY 3 POV CLUES
I walked into the classroom and put my backpack beside my desk. I hoped we would have a short assignment.
“I,” “my,” and “we” — these first-person pronouns are clues.
I opened the locker and grabbed my science book. I was relieved that I remembered to bring it home.
SWITCH TO 3RD PERSON LIMITED
She opened the locker and grabbed her science book. She was relieved that she remembered to bring it home.
I grabbed my lunchbox and hurried out the door. I didn't want to be late for school again. As I walked down the sidewalk, I wondered what we would do in class today.
First Person
You step onto the stage and look out at the audience. You take a deep breath and begin reading your speech.
Second Person
The narrator speaks directly to the reader using words like you, your, and you’re.
What is second-person point of view?
IDENTIFY 2 POV CLUES
You open the door and step inside. Your eyes quickly adjust to the darkness, and you begin looking for a flashlight.
You,” and “your,” — these second-person pronouns are clues.
Marcus stared at the basketball court. He hoped his team would win the game. He bounced nervously on his toes as the referee prepared to blow the whistle.
Switch to: First Person
I stared at the basketball court. I hoped my team would win the game. I bounced nervously on my toes as the referee prepared to blow the whistle.
You walk into the crowded cafeteria and look around for a place to sit. You see your friends waving at you from a table in the corner, so you hurry over to join them.
Second Person
Carlos grabbed his coat and headed outside. He felt relieved when he saw the snow had finally stopped. He couldn't wait to build a snowman with his friends.
Third-Person Limited
The narrator is outside of the story and uses he, she, they, or character names. The narrator tells the thoughts and feelings of one character.
What is third-person limited point of view?
IDENTIFY 3 POV CLUES
Emma stared at the test on her desk. She felt nervous because she hadn't studied as much as she wanted. She picked up her pencil and began answering the first question.
"She", "Her" and “She felt nervous” — the narrator reveals Emma's thoughts/feelings, showing third-person limited.
You walk into the library and look around. You wonder which book you should choose, so you wander toward the mystery section.
Switch to: Third-Person Objective
She walked into the library and looked around. She wandered toward the mystery section.
Tyler sat quietly at his desk while the other students worked. He hoped the teacher wouldn't call on him because he wasn't sure about the answer. When the teacher walked toward his desk, Tyler looked down at his paper.
Third-Person Limited
The dog barked loudly as it ran toward the gate. Mrs. Wilson gasped and quickly picked up the package from the porch. She carried it inside and placed it on the kitchen table.
3rd person objective
The narrator is outside of the story and tells only what can be seen or heard. The narrator does not reveal any character's thoughts or feelings.
What is third-person objective point of view?
IDENTIFY 3 POV CLUES
Jake walked across the gym and dropped his basketball. He wondered if his team would win the game. His coach called his name, and Jake turned toward the bench.
"His", "He" and “He wondered if his team would win the game.” — the narrator reveals Jake's thoughts, a clue to third-person limited.
The teacher walked to the front of the room. She placed a stack of papers on the desk. Several students opened their notebooks while others looked toward the clock.
Switch to: Third-Person Omniscient
The teacher walked to the front of the room. She hoped the students were prepared for the quiz. She placed a stack of papers on the desk. Several students felt nervous about the quiz, while others were excited because they had studied.
The students entered the gym and took their seats. Maya smiled and waved at her friend across the room. Jordan worried that he had forgotten his permission slip. Their teacher watched the students settle down and hoped everyone would behave during the assembly.
Third-Person Omniscient
I stared at the strange box sitting on my desk. I wanted to open it, but I was afraid of what might be inside. My sister walked into the room and asked what I was doing.
First Person
The narrator is outside of the story and knows the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.
What is third-person omniscient point of view?
Identify 3 POV CLUES-including pronouns and thoughts/feelings
The bell rang, and Marcus closed his notebook. He stood up and put his pencil in his backpack. Across the room, Elena looked at the clock and gathered her papers. Mr. Carter walked to the door and held it open as the students left the classroom.
Emma smiled when she saw the enormous birthday cake. She couldn't wait to taste the chocolate frosting. Across the room, her brother Liam worried that she would notice the missing slice. Their mother secretly hoped everyone would enjoy the surprise party.
Switch to: Third-Person Objective
Emma smiled when she saw the enormous birthday cake. Across the room, Liam stood beside the kitchen counter. Their mother walked into the room carrying a stack of plates. Emma walked toward the cake while Liam quickly moved the empty plate behind his back.
The classroom door opened at 3:05. Mr. Davis picked up the papers from his desk and placed them in a folder. Emma zipped her backpack and stood beside her chair. Marcus walked toward the door, while Lily remained at her desk and continued writing. The students left the room one at a time.
Third-Person Objective
Ethan glanced at the clock and worried that he would miss the bus. Across the room, his sister Mia searched for her missing shoe. She was certain she had left it by the door. Their father watched them rush around the house and wondered why they hadn't gotten ready sooner. Meanwhile, the dog waited by the front door, excited for its morning walk.
Third-Person Omniscient