{"id":3935,"date":"2021-04-08T14:11:39","date_gmt":"2021-04-08T21:11:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/?p=3935"},"modified":"2021-06-30T17:21:40","modified_gmt":"2021-07-01T00:21:40","slug":"narrator-point-of-view-and-mind-reading","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/narrator-point-of-view-and-mind-reading\/","title":{"rendered":"Narrator Point of View and Mind Reading in Narratives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mind reading<\/span> is the key to understanding the types of narrators and points of view in narratives. Narrative story is the one way a person can enter the mind of another person. That\u2019s one reason we read stories.<\/p>\n

I use the term \u201cmind reading\u201d to explain to students how the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of characters. As I wrote this, I was surprised to find that I am the only person who uses this term this way to teach students about narrators. After you read this, you will start using it too!<\/p>\n

Before we begin, you must understand that we have two main types of narrators. These two types of narrators break up into these six types of narrators:<\/p>\n

1. First-Person Narrator:<\/span> 1) Central Character, 2) Peripheral Character<\/p>\n

2. Third-Person Narrator:<\/span> 1) Objective, 2) Omniscient, 3) Limited, 4) Shifting<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t

What is Mind Reading?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mind reading<\/em> is a third-person narrator fiction story technique. By definition, \u201cThird Person: Limited\u201d narrators and \u201cThird Person: Omniscient\u201d narrators are mind readers, which is why it is essential to understand mind reading\u2014both as a reader and as a writer.<\/p>\n

Mind reading<\/em> is what it sounds like. The third-person narrator knows what one or more of the characters is thinking and tells us all about it. By mind reading, the third-person narrator can tell us (1) what characters think but don\u2019t say, (2) what characters remember from the past, (3) what characters believe and why they believe it, (4) what characters are secretly planning to do, (5) what the characters\u2019 deepest, innermost thoughts are, etc.<\/p>\n

To be clear, mind reading is ubiquitous\u2014i.e., extremely common. Here is an example that illustrates just how common it is.<\/p>\n

\u00bb\u00a0<\/span> Sally and Ron both knew<\/span> the correct answer was eight, but neither raised their hand.<\/p>\n

Nothing is shocking or surprising about that sentence in a narrative story. BUT, how did the narrator know that Sally and Ron knew the correct answer? There is only one way the narrator could have known that: the narrator knows what Sally and Ron are thinking. The narrator read their minds and told us what they were thinking. It\u2019s that simple.<\/p>\n

Here is how it would sound without mind-reading. Since first-person and \u201cthird-person objective\u201d narrators can\u2019t mind read, this is what they would write. These narrators can\u2019t read minds, so they watch and observe, and they tell their readers what they see.<\/p>\n

\u00bb\u00a0<\/span> Sally and Ron both looked as if they knew<\/span> the correct answer, but neither raised their hand.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n\"pencil Are you an elementary or middle school teacher? Do you need to get results teaching writing? Have you taken a look at Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay on the homepage?<\/span><\/a>\n

 <\/p>\n

Narrative Point of View, Theory of Mind, and Mind Reading<\/h3>\n

Why do we read fiction? Why is fiction important? This title provides an interesting answer: Why We Read Fiction: Theory of Mind and the Novel<\/em> (2006) by Lisa Zunshine. For our purposes, you don\u2019t need to read the book because the title makes the point.<\/p>\n

As children, we develop what psychologists call \u201cTheory of Mind.\u201d Put simply, we learn that our thoughts and feelings are our own, and that other people have their own thoughts and feelings. As an example, we develop the ability to see that although we may feel happy, another person may feel sad. We develop the human skills of empathy and understanding as we learn to grasp how other people think and feel.<\/p>\n

In one sense, we read stories to enter the minds\u2019 of the characters. We think, \u201cYes, I felt that same way once. I\u2019m not alone in what I think and feel!\u201d Narrative story is the one way we can enter the mind of another person. Think about that.<\/p>\n

Point of View: Do You Agree or Disagree?<\/h3>\n

Are you beginning to see that point of view is about more than the pronouns a writer uses? Point of view<\/em> has a specific meaning. It means \u201chow a person sees and interprets things; it\u2019s a person\u2019s perspective.\u201d A first-person narrator tells a story from his or her perspective. A third-person narrator tells a story from its eye-in-the-sky observer perspective.<\/p>\n

We all develop a point of view<\/em> or perspective<\/em> about things by having experiences and by learning. We combine this new knowledge with what we already know, believe, and value. When you and another person agree on an issue for the same reasons, you share a similar point of view on that issue. If you agree on that issue but agree for different reasons, your point of view is less similar. If you disagree on the issue, you likely see things differently.<\/p>\n

Whose Story Is It?<\/h3>\n

Even with a cast of thousands, a movie is usually one person\u2019s story. Even when there are five main characters, most people will agree on whose story it is. More often than not, a story is one person\u2019s story.<\/p>\n

In the story of the tortoise and the hare, whose story is it? It\u2019s the tortoise\u2019s story! Slow and steady wins the race! No matter how the story is told, it\u2019s the tortoise\u2019s story and the tortoise\u2019s point of view!<\/p>\n

Point of View: Bring Clarity and Consistency to Your Stories<\/h3>\n

The best time to think about this stuff is while you are reading great narrative stories! To a large degree, we learn to write great stories by reading great stories. By studying the following examples, you will know what to look for as you read your next great story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\"pencil It\u2019s a foundation, a framework, and a methodology for teaching writing! Check out Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay on the homepage to learn more!<\/span>\u00a0<\/a>\n

 <\/p>\n

Point of View Examples: The Driving Lesson<\/h2>\n

We are going to look at three short stories that center around a driving lesson. In each of these stories, a parent is teaching one of their children to drive. In all of these examples, there is almost no action and very little dialogue. Each story\u2019s action is primarily one event: a hard left turn into a dirt field. That\u2019s it! Most of the story takes place in the characters\u2019 minds.<\/p>\n

We will examine three different types of narrator:<\/p>\n

1. First-Person Point of View
\n2. Third Person: Limited Point of View
\n3. Third Person: Omniscient Point of View<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t

1.\u00a0 First-Person Point of View<\/span><\/h3>\n

My mom looked at me in horror. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I responded with a smile, \u201cI\u2019m driving.\u201d Although I knew I was doing a great job driving, I could see that my mom disagreed. You see, I had found a shortcut through a dirt field\u2026 and I took it. I know that this is a driving lesson, but my ingenious idea will save us over five minutes. Making excellent time is extremely important to me!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Analysis:<\/span><\/p>\n

Whose story is it? Whose point of view is it?<\/span> We see the story through the first-person narrator\u2019s eyes. The narrator tells us about the mom, and we see the mom\u2019s reactions through the narrator\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Does the narrator mind read?<\/span> The first-person narrator can only read his or her own mind. Most of this story is the first-person narrator telling us his or her thoughts. First-person narrators frequently tell us about their thoughts.<\/p><\/div><\/div>
\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t

2.\u00a0 Third Person: Limited Point of View<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mr. Hutch looked at his daughter in horror. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily responded with a smile, \u201cI\u2019m driving.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr. Hutch was both confused and frightened. Everything had been going great! He thought he had been doing a fantastic job teaching his young daughter to drive safely! Then all of a sudden, for no reason at all, his daughter swerved hard left over a small divider and up into a brushy dirt field. They were currently headed due north at 25 miles per hour over bumps and weeds and tumbleweeds into what looked like a dusty abyss. What was she thinking? What was she doing?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s smile disappeared as she looked over at her dad. \u201cAre you okay, Dad? You look sick.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Analysis:<\/span><\/p>\n

Whose story is it? Whose point of view is it?<\/span> We see all of this through the third-person eye-in-the-sky narrator\u2019s point of view. The narrator tells us about the character by using their names and third-person pronouns. However, since the narrator reads Mr. Hutch\u2019s mind, we know everything that Mr. Hutch thinks. It seems that this is Mr. Hutch\u2019s story.<\/p>\n

Does the narrator mind read?<\/span> This third-person narrator spends a great deal of time reading Mr. Hutch\u2019s mind and tells us all about it. The narrator does not read Emily\u2019s mind, so we can only guess what Emily is thinking by observing her actions and words, along with what others say about her.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n\"pencil \u201cIt\u2019s amazing that in two months I was able to get my students writing better than I had been able to in an entire year previously.\u201d Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay! It works!<\/span>\u00a0<\/a>\n

 <\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0 Third Person: Omniscient Point of View<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mrs. McKenzie had been thrilled with how the driving lesson had been going. But now, she looked at her son in horror. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank responded with a half-smile, \u201cI\u2019m driving.\u201d Hank knew his mom didn\u2019t understand him. She never would! In fact, Hank was quite sure his mom was questioning his choice of turning hard left into that dirt field at this very moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although Mrs. McKenzie was terrified, she tried not to show it. Ever since Hank\u2019s father had left for the International Space Station, Mrs. McKenzie had done everything she could to support her son. But now, she was wondering if she had indulged him a bit too much. \u201cHank, honey, I hope we are not going to drive into that dusty abyss. I just had the car washed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hank couldn\u2019t believe it! He knew she didn\u2019t understand! If his father were here, he would understand. Hank thought back to his father\u2019s last words, \u201cWhen driving, nothing is more important than making good time!\u201d Well, Hank was making excellent time! That\u2019s what\u2019s important! You see, Hank had discovered a secret shortcut to the shopping center, and he was going to save them time!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Analysis:<\/span><\/p>\n

Whose story is it? Whose point of view is it?<\/span> It\u2019s a little difficult to tell whose story this is because the narrator devotes near equal time to each character. Additionally, the narrator mind reads both characters. Having said that, it\u2019 pretty much \u201call about Hank.\u201d<\/p>\n

Does the narrator mind read?<\/span> The narrator mind-reads both characters. Once again, there is minimal action or dialogue in this story. The story is mainly composed of the third-person eye-in-the-sky narrator telling us what the characters are thinking.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

A Final Note: Mind Reading vs. Just Knowing a Person or Character<\/h3>\n

When we write in first person, our first-person narrator knows what he or she is thinking. Although our first-person narrator knows his or her own mind, our narrator can\u2019t read any other characters\u2019 minds.<\/p>\n

However, do you have any friends or family members with whom you can pretty much read their minds at times? Take a look at this:<\/p>\n

\u00bb\u00a0<\/span> Jimmy wants to eat that last piece of pizza, but he knows he\u2019s already had more than his fair share. Right now, he\u2019s probably thinking, \u201cWho\u2019s going to be mad at me if I eat it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Does this sound like someone you know? Well, it sounds like me, so I\u2019m pretty sure it\u2019s what Jimmy is thinking. Although our first-person narrator can\u2019t be sure of that, it\u2019s a good guess, and it makes for a good story to make guesses like that. It\u2019s a type of character description. Of course, first-person narrators need to use an occasional \u201cprobably,\u201d \u201cI think,\u201d \u201cI know,\u201d \u201cI can tell,\u201d or \u201cIt looks like\u201d to clarify that the narrator is not mind reading.<\/p>\n

Finally, in life and in writing, people don\u2019t always use \u201cI believe\u201d or \u201cI think\u201d for things that they believe or think. We make statements, and people understand that we are stating our point of view. That\u2019s not mind reading; that\u2019s just the way people talk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mind reading is the key to understanding the types of narrators and points of view in narratives. Narrative story is the one way a person can enter the mind of another person. That\u2019s one reason we read stories. I use the term \u201cmind reading\u201d to explain to students how the narrator knows the thoughts and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[457,570],"tags":[568,470,467,564,567,53,488,569,565],"class_list":["post-3935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-genres","category-narrative-writing","tag-first-person","tag-narrative-techniques","tag-narrative-writing","tag-point-of-view","tag-pov","tag-story-writing","tag-storytelling","tag-third-person","tag-types-of-narrators"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3935"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3935\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3976,"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3935\/revisions\/3976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patternbasedwriting.com\/elementary_writing_success\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}