POV — Inspirational Thoughts for a Writer’s Heart

Every fiction story requires one or more points of view, a.k.a. POV. The point of view is the eye through which you see the story. Accordingly, every POV character will see the story differently, depending on his background, current state, emotional situation. Contrasting points of view add interest and tension to the story. They allow for conflict between characters.

My dad used to say, “Don’t judge others; you never know their whole story.” And he was right. Everyone has hidden secrets or situations that contribute to the formation of their perspective. We don’t know what they are or where they come from.

What is our response to perspectives that differ from ours? Do we shut people down if they don’t agree with us? Or do we listen to their “side of the story” and consider where they’re coming from? My dad, wise man that he was, also said, “There are always at least three sides to the story: your side, my side and the truth.”

We can’t help but view life from varied perspectives because none of us have followed exactly the same path. Our view, though distinct from another’s, is not wrong.

I agree that we need to know who we are and what we stand for, but we also need to be aware that others have traveled divergent paths to ours. And they aren’t necessarily where we are.

POV, or perspective, is as important in real life as it in in fiction. Perhaps more so.