How do you handle multiple perspectives in third person storytelling?

1 Choose your point of view

There are three main types of third person point of view: omniscient, limited, and objective. Omniscient means you can access the inner world of any character at any time. Limited means you focus on one character per scene or chapter, and only reveal their thoughts and emotions. Objective means you only describe what can be seen or heard, without entering any character's mind. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your genre, theme, and style. Choose the one that suits your story best, and be consistent with it.

2 Switch perspectives strategically

If you decide to use multiple perspectives in your story, you need to plan when and how to switch between them. A common way to do this is to use scene or chapter breaks, and indicate the change of perspective with a character's name, a location, or a time stamp. Avoid switching too frequently or randomly, as this can disrupt the flow and tension of your story. Also, avoid switching within the same scene or paragraph, as this can create confusion and head-hopping. Make sure each perspective has a clear purpose and voice, and contributes to the overall plot and theme.

3 Balance the perspectives

Another challenge of using multiple perspectives is to balance them in terms of quantity and quality. You don't want to favor one perspective over the others, or neglect some characters while overdeveloping others. Try to give each perspective enough space and depth to make them engaging and relevant. You can also use different perspectives to create contrast, conflict, or suspense in your story. For example, you can show how different characters react to the same event, or how they have different goals or secrets. You can also use unreliable narrators, who may lie or misinterpret the truth, to add complexity and intrigue.

4 Consider your readers

Finally, you need to consider how your readers will respond to your multiple perspectives. You want to make them care about your characters, follow your plot, and understand your message. You can do this by using clear transitions, hooks, and clues to guide them through your story. You can also use different techniques to create empathy, curiosity, and tension in your readers. For example, you can use internal monologue, sensory details, dialogue, or foreshadowing to reveal your characters' personalities, emotions, and motivations. You can also use dramatic irony, cliffhangers, or twists to surprise or challenge your readers.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?