Points of View - Blended

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Blended Points of View

A blended point of view refers to the practice of using multiple narrative perspectives in a story, such as movement from “I” to ”they” and back to “I” again. Shifts between different characters, sometimes called “head hopping”, is also considered a form of varied points of view. If you are familiar with my books in The Hollow Man Series, you know I use a particularly irregular type of multiple narrative perspectives. The storyline moves from the proverbial first person to third person briefly while Doc is in disguise at some level or another.

These, of course, are only a few of the many combinations of multiple narrative points of view that can be used in a single work. And the more POVs used, the more difficult a book becomes for both writer and reader. It’s sort of like a jigsaw puzzle; the more pieces, the more complicated it is to put it all together in the end. To make things worse, most readers agree if the writer does not seamlessly integrate blended points of view, then they are left in a wash of frustration.

Now that I’ve scared the b’jesus out of writers in the above paragraph, let me explain. There are a number of outstanding benefits that can be gleaned through the use of blended points of view. Let’s explore the best and the worst, the pros and cons, of using blended POVs.

Pros:

Depth of characterization: When an author blends different points of view, they demonstrate a more comprehensive exploration of characters’ thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This enables readers to gain a deeper understanding of various characters and their unique perspectives, enhancing the overall richness, and complexity of the story.

Multiple perspectives: A blended point of view offers the opportunity to present multiple sides of a story or event. This can foster empathy among readers as they get to see different characters’ experiences and interpretations, leading to a more nuanced and well-rounded understanding of the narrative.

Increased tension and suspense: Shifting between different points of view can create suspense and tension by revealing information that one character knows but others do not. This can heighten anticipation and engagement, keeping readers hooked and eager to uncover the full picture.

Narrative variety: A blended point of view allows for diversity in storytelling. By incorporating different voices and perspectives, it adds variety to the narrative structure, making the reading experience more dynamic and engaging.

Cons:

Potential confusion: Frequent shifts in perspective can be confusing for readers if not executed effectively. It is challenging to maintain clarity and ensure smooth transitions between different points of view, potentially leading to reader disorientation and difficulty in following the story.

Distraction from the main plot: Introducing too many perspectives or shifting between them excessively may divert attention from the central storyline. If not carefully managed, the focus can scatter, diluting the impact of the main plot and creating a disjointed reading experience.

Difficulty in character connection: Blending multiple points of view can make it harder for readers to establish strong emotional connections with specific characters. If the narrative constantly shifts, readers may not spend enough time with any one character to fully invest in their journey or develop a deep sense of empathy.

Inconsistent narrative voice: Switching between different POVs sometimes result in an inconsistent narrative voice. Each character may have a distinct voice, which will make it challenging to maintain consistency in tone, style, and overall narrative cohesion.

The decision to use a blended point of view should always serve the story's purpose and enhance the reader's experience. Consider experimenting with different approaches, such as writing sample scenes from multiple perspectives, to assess if blended points of view aligns with your storytelling vision. Ultimately, trust your instincts as a writer and choose the narrative technique that best serves your story's unique needs.