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POV

Posted: Feb 16, 2010 10:28 pm
by didomachiatto
When using multiple POV characters, is it mandatory that if the Main Character is present, the scene must be written from their POV?

Re: POV

Posted: Feb 17, 2010 2:10 pm
by Chris Huntley
No. The MC throughline represents a perspective in the story, but is different than the "person" or "voice" telling the story, e.g. first person, second person, etc.

Here is a Dramatica Tip about "Writing Point of View," which I think may help clarify this point:

http://dramatica.com/theory/tip_of_month/tips/tip1209.html

Re: POV

Posted: Feb 19, 2010 5:27 am
by didomachiatto
Actually, in my story, I use several different POV, including the Main Character, Impact Character, and Antagonist. Instead of dipping into peoples heads omniscient, I only dip into the POV character in that scene. But I read that the discovery of the Impact Character's perspective (in particular their back-story) must be done as it is revealed to the Main Character. That part is a bit confusing. In order to be the Main Character the story has to revolve around their growth and perspective. But does it unsettle the story for the MC to be a minor character in a scene?

Re: POV

Posted: Feb 23, 2010 2:22 pm
by Chris Huntley
No, the MC need not be aware of the IC backstory. All that is essential is that the IC impacts the MC as the MC struggles with his/her personal issues.

No, the MC does not have to be a major character in a scene, or even in a scene for that matter. What is important, structurally-speaking, is that the elements of the MC's development be revealed to the audience - - no matter how you choose to do it.