1. Identify the Narrator:
* First-Person: The narrator is a character within the story, using "I" and "me." The reader experiences the events through their eyes and only knows what they know.
* Example: "I was sitting in the diner, watching the rain fall outside..."
* Second-Person: The narrator directly addresses the reader using "you." It's less common in novels but can be found in interactive fiction or specific passages.
* Example: "You walk down the deserted street, the wind whipping at your face."
* Third-Person: The narrator is outside the story, observing events and characters.
* Third-Person Limited: The narrator focuses on one character's thoughts and feelings.
* Example: "He felt a pang of guilt as he looked at her."
* Third-Person Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all the characters and their thoughts.
* Example: "She was angry, but he was secretly relieved."
* Third-Person Objective: The narrator simply reports events without access to any character's thoughts or feelings.
* Example: "The man walked into the room and sat down at the table."
2. Look for Clues:
* Pronoun Usage: Pay close attention to the pronouns used. "I," "me," "we," "you," "he," "she," "they," "it" all provide strong clues.
* Thoughts and Feelings: Can you access the thoughts and feelings of more than one character? This points to omniscient or limited perspectives.
* Direct Address: If the narrator speaks directly to the reader, it's likely second-person.
* Language: Does the narrator use specific language that suggests their perspective? For example, a young narrator might use simpler vocabulary or slang.
3. Consider the Effect:
* Why did the author choose this point of view? Does it create a sense of intimacy, distance, reliability, or unreliability?
* How does the point of view impact the story? Does it shape our understanding of the characters, plot, or themes?
Examples:
* First-Person: "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger is told from Holden Caulfield's subjective point of view. We experience the world through his eyes, making it unreliable and often humorous.
* Third-Person Limited: "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is primarily told from Nick Carraway's perspective, giving us a limited understanding of the other characters.
* Third-Person Omniscient: "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy moves between characters, revealing their innermost thoughts and motivations.
Important Note: Sometimes, authors use multiple points of view within a single novel. This can add complexity and depth to the story.
By carefully analyzing the narrator, their language, and the effects of their perspective, you can accurately identify the point of view in a novel.