A common trend that I see in epic fantasy is the use of multiple points of view to expand the scope of the world. In explaining why they enjoy multiple POVs, readers cite the excitement of getting a broader perspective, experiencing a dynamic world, and learning about multiple characters (and how they view each other). Most importantly, multiple POVs can help build towards an epic climax in which the threaded storylines collide.
Yet, in the same Reddit thread, readers cite just as many reasons why multiple POVs may not work for them, or why a single POV story creates a more immersive world.
The dealbreaker: whether the reader cares about the POV characters.
When Does Writing Multiple POVs Work?
1. Reveals things another POV cannot
A book should include another POV only if it’s necessary to further the plot. Ask yourself, “Does this POV reveal something to which a pre-existing POV does not have access?”
Adding another POV can enhance important moments, like a climactic battle, by expanding the scope of the world and developing tension on multiple fronts. Many epic fantasy novels conclude with such a fight.
It may also add suspense or foreshadowing by revealing something that another POV character does not know. Brandon Sanderon’s The Way of Kings leads readers to question the reliability (and sanity) of one of his primary characters through a secondary character’s reasonable doubts.
2. Focuses first on the character
The first few times a POV is shown, it should focus on the character, not the surroundings nor the specificities of a world. Before readers can care about the community’s stakes, or what a character has to say, they need to connect with the character.
Robert Jackson Bennet’s Foundryside opens with Sancia in the middle of a solo heist. Before he explains the rules of the world, the object of her mission, or even the technicalities of her abilities, he builds the reader’s empathy for Sancia by immersing readers into her immediate situation. Over time, he gradually introduces more about the world. By the time Bennett swaps the POV, Sancia has become a real person to the reader; the reader knows her voice. Thus, even after Bennett introduces another character, readers can distinguish each voice.
In The Eye of the World, Robert Jordan spends even more time setting up his primary POV of Rand al’Thor. Outside of the two prologues, which feature Lews Therin Telamon and Egwene al’Vere’s POVs, the first nineteen chapters are told from Rand al’Thor’s POV. Chapter 20 is the first one to introduce another recurring POV, that of Perrin Aybara.
3. Build intrigue or suspense
All good rules come with exceptions.
While most recurring POVs should develop character (see rule #2), writers may sparingly insert another POV sparingly in order to build intrigue or suspense.
Legacies by L.E. Modesitt, Jr. provides glimpses into the antagonists’ POVs in order to heighten the reader’s awareness of the dangers that threaten the protagonist (Alucius) and his loved ones.
5 Books That Do It Well
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
In a brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, a slave and a soldier will change their fate—and that of the Empire.
Why I recommend it: Through Lana and Elias’s respective POVs, Sabaa Tahir gives insight into different aspects of the Empire and, in the process, blurs the moral lines. Soldiers and slaves, residents and rebels, alike act on personal motivations. While the Empire has its flaws, not all soldiers are cruel and conniving, and not all rebels have the citizens’ best interests at heart. Read more of my thoughts →
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Following an attack, five villagers flee their home only to get drawn into a fight with an ancient evil.
Why I recommend it: While simultaneously building an epic plot, Robert Jordan spends much of this book developing the POV characters’, letting us get to know their motivations, fears, and loves. He focuses on four POV characters (with the bulk of the chapters featuring Rand al’Thor’s POV). Therefore, while this book is epic in scope, the characters feel real and relatable.
Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb
As tensions rise between the Old Traders and New Traders of Bingtown, the Vestrit family prepares to awaken their liveship. The family’s fate will collide with that of Captain Kennit, who plots to steal a liveship in his schemes to unite the pirates.
Why I recommend it: Robin Hobb uses multiple POVs to give depth of character and breadth of world. Each POV deep dives into its focus character’s experiences, and together, the POVs weave a plot of epic scope, with a focus on the Vestrit family. As an added bonus, the women of the family feature prominently. Read more of my thoughts →
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
In a world that has been abandoned by its age-old protectors, four individuals hold the key to change the world. One may redeem it; another will destroy it.
Why I recommend it: This book feels epic in scope while personal in nature. While this novel focuses on three POV characters, it deep dives into Kaladin’s backstory through flashbacks, and it features Interludes in between arcs. Readers may enjoy these Interludes, which showcase events happening elsewhere in the Cosmere universe (and even feature characters from other Sanderson works), or skip over them without detracting from the plot.
Winter by Marissa Meyer
Together with Cinder and her allies, Princess Winter will launch a revolution to end a war that’s been raging for far too long. Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Queen Levana and claim their happily ever afters?
Why I recommend it: Each installment of The Lunar Chronicles adds another two POVs, those of the new heroine and her love interest. With each book, Meyer raises the stakes as new characters add their reasons to fight. Winter builds the tension on multiple fronts, through the various POVs, leading up to an epic final battle.
Let’s Chat
📚 Do you prefer multiple POVs or single POV?
📚 When does having multiple POVs work?
📚 What are some of your favorite books with multiple POVs?
This post is linked to Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
Can a book have too many points of view? What's the dealbreaker?#ReadingCommunity #amreading Click To Tweet
Molly @ Molly's Book Nook says
Oh gosh I definitely think a book can have too many POVs. I actually just finished one where this was my exact complaint. It just didn’t work because it was a 180 page novella so there wasn’t enough time to really develop the characters. I think it would have been much better with 1-2 POV. So, yes, I think there can be too many. Though I do love me some multiple POV books!
Crystal (Kester) says
I love books with single POV and books with multiple POVs. Whether a book needs multiple POVs depends on the story it tells.
180 pages does seem short for a book with multiple POVs.
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
Yeah I definitely agree with you- it CAN be done well, but I think your reasons when it works are spot on. And I’ll add, the characters HAVE to have distinguishable voices. I loathe when I am trying to read a book with multiple POVs and I have to keep flipping or scrolling back just to figure out who the heck’s POV I am reading at a given time! I actually just finished a fairly short (256 pages) standalone with at least 6 POVs and I was so lost! I think it could have been done with 3 or 4, but once random viewpoints were thrown in, I was getting confused for sure!
Crystal (Kester) says
I agree. Characters need to have distinguishable voices—even if each POV is told in the third person. Wow, 256 pages is short for a book with at least six POVs!
Ethan says
I think you are correct. Multiple POV’s can be successful, but only if done well. Too often it just muddies the narrative.
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes. You phrase it well with “muddies the narrative.”
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books says
This is such an interesting post! I have to say… I used to think I didn’t like multiple POV, but I can’t deny that, when they’re used rightly, they can enhance the reading experience SO much! An Ember in the Ashes is such an excellent example of that, I loved seeing the different POV and aspects of the world through them, too! 🙂
Crystal (Kester) says
I agree. A well-told book with multiple POVs can really enhance the reading experience. I love how An Ember of the Ashes adds to the world through the different POVs!
claire @ clairefy says
I really appreciate this post because I think that books with multiple POVs can be a double-edged sword. When they’re done really well they can add so many interesting layers to a story. I recently read a book called The Lucky Ones that had a dual narration as the two main characters were falling in love, and the characters were developed well enough as individuals that it contributed to the story. On the other hand, though, when done poorly, multiple POVs make storylines much more confusing or the characters hard to tell apart.
claire @ clairefy
Crystal (Kester) says
I agree that multiple POVs is a double-edged sword. It works when it’s done well, but it otherwise distracts from the main story.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra says
I agree about The Lunar Chronicles. That’s one of the best multiple POV series I’ve read. Meyer really works each new set of POVs into the overall story seamlessly.
Crystal (Kester) says
Yeah. It’s easy to see how each character contributes to the overall story, and each use of POV moves the plot forward.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I agree with you on Eye of the World, but I have to confess that in later books one of my biggest beefs with Jordan’s writing is that he has too many random POVs. Jordan loves his random subplots and I got to the point where sometimes I couldn’t even remember who the character was, much less why I wanted to hear their POV! (I still read all the books, but some of them were harder for me to get through than others—I do love all the actual main characters, though!!)
I much prefer Robin Hobb’s approach—love ALL her characters!
Crystal (Kester) says
That’s interesting to hear. I think I would struggle to keep all the characters straight in my head too! I tend to prefer when the side characters’ POV speak into the MC’s story instead of creating another subplot for me to follow. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter does this nicely at a few key points when the MC is emotional and it may be otherwise difficult to relate to him. (He goes through a lot over the course of the novel.)
Robin Hobb is skilled at portraying the complexities of human life, especially what motivates people to do what they do. I didn’t love all of her characters, but I could empathize with them.
Lindsi says
I loved that The Lunar Chronicles added new POVs with every additional book! I never felt overwhelmed by all of their individual voices, and it was a very enjoyable read. An Ember in the Ashes is another favorite! I started the Brandon Sanderson book, but didn’t realize the audio was, like, 20+ hours. Hah!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, I think Winter doesn’t feel as overwhelming as it might have because Marisa Meyer slowly introduces new POVs with each book. By the time Winter comes around, we already know and care about the protagonists. Sounds like The Way of Kings will keep you entertained for a while. I hope you enjoy it!
Sammie @ The Writerly Way says
Oooh, this is a great post! I have to say that I have no particular preference on POV, but I will also admit that if it feels too scattered, I’m turned off a book. What it comes down to is if the POVs feel particularly necessary. If that POV seems to add nothing to the plot and/or experience, then … did I really need to read it?
Thanks for the recommendations. I definitely need to read The Way of Kings still!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Sammie! I agree that the POV needs to add a crucial element to the plot. I hope you enjoy The Way of Kings!
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse says
I don’t think it can. I read one with 14 one time and it was great!
Crystal (Kester) says
Wow, that’s a lot of POVs! What book is this?
Lydia says
This was a good post. And, yes, a book totally can have too many POVs.
My TTT .
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lydia!
Sam@wlabb says
I have never thought about when it works best, but I have found myself wanting other points of view at times. I primarily read contemporaries, and have found myself yearning for that other POV, often, when I read romance. I recently read You Deserve Each Other. It was single POV, and though I felt like I had a decent grasp of what the hero was feeling, I would have liked to have been in his head, and seen things the way he saw them. That’s always something I appreciate about a multi-POV book
Crystal (Kester) says
I agree that it’s interesting to see into the minds of multiple characters. Especially when the characters present differing views on something.