Omniscient point of view

Definition:

Omniscient POV is referred to as god-like or all-knowing, because the narrator has knowledge of every aspect of the tale, including every character's information, thoughts, feelings, actions, and history. Instead of presenting you through an intimate character perspective, this style of narrator frequently gives the impression that they are looking over your shoulder and telling you what is occurring in the tale.

Examples:

• War and Peace written by Leo Tolstoy: "Just then another visitor entered the drawing room: Prince Andrew Bolkónski, the little princess’ husband. He was a very handsome young man, of medium height, with firm, clearcut features. Everything about him, from his weary, bored expression to his quiet, measured step, offered a most striking contrast to his quiet, little wife. It was evident that he not only knew everyone in the drawing room, but had found them to be so tiresome that it wearied him to look at or listen to them. And among all these faces that he found so tedious, none seemed to bore him so much as that of his pretty wife."

• Little Women written by Louisa May Alcott: "While these things were happening at home, Amy was having hard times at Aunt March's. She felt her exile deeply, and for the first time in her life, realized how much she was beloved and petted at home. Aunt March never petted any one; she did not approve of it, but she meant to be kind, for the well–behaved little girl pleased her very much, and Aunt March had a soft place in her old heart for her nephew's children, though she didn't think it proper to confess it."

Sources:

• What is Third Person Omniscient Point of View — Writer’s Guide. (2022). (C. Heckmann), Www.studiobinder.com. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-third-person-omniscient-point-of-view-definition/

• Omniscient Narrator Examples, Types, and Purpose. (2020). (K. Miller-Wilson), Www.yourdictionary.com. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/omniscient-narrator 

Author: Magdalena Mašková