4.10 Self-Assessment: Point of View

Identifying Point of View


Consider some sample narratives that tell about an argument between a girl, Sarah, and her father.

  • What is the point of view in each of these samples?
  • Identify whether the point of view is first person or third person.

  • If it is first person point of view, identify the character who is narrating.
  • If it is third person point of view, decide whether the point of view is omniscient or limited omniscient.

    Then, click on the Drop-down box below each sample to check your answers.


Sample 1

Last night Sarah didn't get home until after midnight. I was expecting her at eleven, so I was getting very worried. When she got in, she didn't have a very good reason for being late, so I got angry. I told her she was grounded for two weeks. She started to throw a tantrum and said I was being very unfair. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect her to be home by her curfew. She had some ridiculous excuse about her watch stopping, but I don't think that's good enough. There are other clocks around. Sarah needs to learn to be more responsible.




First person point of view.

Sarah's father is the narrator.


Sample 2

Sarah's dad grounded her for two weeks after she came home late. She was supposed to be home at eleven, but she didn't get home until midnight. Sarah's watch had stopped, and she had lost track of time. Her dad told her she was "irresponsible". Sarah thought her dad was unreasonable.  After she stormed up to her room, she realized she would have to miss the youth group trip to the city to see the new Johnny Pepp movie.  Sarah began to cry.  She felt that life was terribly unfair.


Third person point of view.

Limited omniscient.

The narrator knows only Sarah's thoughts and feelings.



Sample 3

Sarah was late getting home, and her dad was becoming worried. Sarah didn't mean to be late, but her watch wasn't working and she lost track of time. Sarah's dad grounded her for two weeks. Sarah stomped to her room and slammed the door. She thought her dad was being unfair. After she was in her room, she started crying. She was glad she hadn't started crying in front of her dad. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction.

In his room, Sarah's dad lay awake for a long time afterward. He hated when they argued. He felt as if he hardly knew Sarah anymore. She was growing up so fast.
Third person point of view.

Omniscient.

The narrator knows both Sarah's and her father's thoughts and feelings.


  Please contact your teacher if you have questions.