1. Home
  2. Careers
  3. Fiction Writing

third person limited point of view

By Ginny Wiehardt, About.com

Definition: Third person limited point of view is a method of storytelling in which the narrator knows only the thoughts and feelings of a single character, while other characters are presented externally. Third person limited grants a writer more freedom than first person, but less than third person omniscient.
Examples:
Ian McEwan's latest novel, "Saturday," told in first person limited point of view, closely adheres to Henry Perowne's thoughts and perceptions throughout the novel.
Explore Fiction Writing
About.com Special Features

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

Looking for a new job? Use these tips and put your best foot forward. More >

  1. Home
  2. Careers
  3. Fiction Writing
  4. Craft & Technique
  5. Glossary of Literary Terms
  6. Third Person Limited Point of View -- A Definition of Third Person Limited>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.