The problem with inconsistent point of view | Revise and Refine

Inconsistent point of view (POV) in fiction can significantly affect the reader’s experience, often in a negative way if not handled with care. For example, readers often find William Faulkner’s novel, The Sound and the Fury, difficult to read because of its inconsistency in POV. Readers are forced to actively engage with the text, filling in gaps and reconciling differing perspectives.

While this lack of consistency isn’t necessarily “wrong” when done with purpose, it is important for the writer to consider just how hard they want their reader to have to work to understand what they have written. You must consider your intended audience: do your readers prefer to read a novel that makes them work to tease out its meaning? Or does your target audience consist of readers who want to be fully immersed in a story without having to pause regularly to think outside of the story?

Personally, I do not want my average reader to have to be in possession of a doctoral degree to be able to understand my writing—what a tiny audience that would be! Instead, I am in the camp of maintaining consistency as a best practice. The following is a list of ways that inconsistent POV can have a negative impact on the reader experience:

• 1. Confusion: When the POV shifts unexpectedly or without clear markers, readers can become disoriented. They may not know whose perspective they are following or whether the narrative has shifted to another character. This confusion can break immersion and disrupt the flow of the story.
• 2. Break in Suspension of Disbelief: A sudden change in POV, especially if it violates the established rules of the story, can pull the reader out of the narrative. Readers expect consistency, and when the rules of narration are broken, it can feel jarring, making it harder to engage with the story.
• 3. Diluted Emotional Impact: Inconsistent POV can weaken the emotional connection between readers and characters. If readers aren’t sure whose thoughts or feelings they are experiencing, they may struggle to empathize with the characters. This reduces the intensity of emotional moments and the depth of character development.
• 4. Undermines Trust in the Narrative: Readers rely on a consistent POV to understand what is happening in the story. If the POV shifts unpredictably, they might question the reliability of the narrative, making it harder for them to trust the events being presented. This can work in specific types of fiction (such as unreliable narrators or experimental narratives), but in traditional storytelling, it can undermine the overall coherence.
• 5. Loss of Thematic Focus: Each POV often represents a different perspective on the story’s themes. Inconsistent shifts can scatter thematic focus, making it hard for the reader to grasp the underlying message. Thematic depth is often enhanced by staying within a consistent POV or using planned shifts to highlight contrasts between characters’ worldviews.
• 6. Reader Fatigue: Persistent POV shifts can lead to mental fatigue, as readers are forced to constantly readjust their understanding of who is narrating. This can make it harder to follow the plot, understand characters’ motivations, or stay engaged in the narrative.

While inconsistency is typically seen as a flaw, in some cases, deliberate manipulation of POV can be a creative tool. Writers experimenting with form, such as stream-of-consciousness or fragmented narratives, may use shifting perspectives to create a unique, if challenging, experience. However, this requires careful execution and clear intent to prevent the narrative from becoming too disjointed. In most cases, inconsistent POV in fiction results in confusion, emotional disconnection, and narrative incoherence. However, if it is used intentionally, it can add complexity and richness to the story. The key is to ensure that any shifts in perspective are done with purpose and clarity.

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Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.