Every Story Needs A Point of View
One essential component of every story is the characters. And the point-of-view (POV) characters relate the story through what they perceive.
There may be more than one POV character, but the main POV character is the one who changes the most in the story. That character must be sympathetic and relatable so the reader roots for them, and reads all of the story to find out what happens.
Typically, the POV character in a scene needs to be the one who has the most at stake. And the question writers ask themselves is: What character has the most to lose, or gain, based on what’s happening right then?
Can you imagine To Kill A Mockingbird being told from Atticus’ point of view? A widower trying to raise two young children and protect them from the hard and evil things in life is certainly compelling.
But a motherless six-year-old seeing the hardships of others, and learning that people can choose to do the right thing in the face of unfairness and hatred, grabs the reader and doesn’t let go. And for many readers, this story taught that we can choose to do the right thing in the face of evil in the real world.
Every Story Needs A Hero
POV characters in stories help me see how heroes act. Some fight and triumph over evil. Some lose the battle, but go down fighting. Others sacrifice to save people who aren’t able to help themselves.
But my favorite heroes face what’s happening with courage, learn from mistakes, and never give up. Those who use their energy to help others who really need it. Heroes who are discerning and don’t misuse their talents and resources saving someone who could, and needs to, rescue themselves.
I’m the POV character in my story.
And I want to be the hero of my story.
But it’s my choice.
With God’s help, I can choose to face life with courage. I can learn from mistakes. I can keep going and never give up — win or lose. I can use my energy helping others who aren’t able to help themselves. And let God watch over people I’m not supposed to help.
What helps you be the hero of your story?
Who's the Hero of the Story? – And what helps you be the hero of your story? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Great post and reminder, Joni.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Tim. I appreciate your faithfulness to support my writing efforts.
Recently, I’ve been cleaning out my mother’s house, going through documents, letters, pictures, and memories. The experience has reminded me, once again, that my mother is my hero. Her kindness, compassion, and compulsion to serve others is my most vivid memory of her. She was love in action, the strongest tense of the verb. God has blessed me by answering my prayer to be more like her–I still have a ways to go. Enjoyed your inspiring message, Joni.
Thank you for reading and sharing, Katherine. The love and kindness we show others honors God and everyone who ever showed us kindness.
Great blog, Joni!
Most days I don’t feel like I could ever be the hero in my story. But the “never giving up” thing compels me to keep going.
Thanks for sharing, Jane. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
I try to look beyond my story to the larger purposes of what God is doing. Ultimately, He is the real hero of every story. He is sovereignly in control of every plot twist.
Thanks, Phyllis. Yes, God is the ultimate hero of everything. 🙂