Out of the choices for point of view, I normally stick to third person limited. I have not had much experience with anything else. It seem to me, a story just comes rolling out of my head in that form. I don't think I have ever started formulating a story that was in first person. Third person limited, just seemes to come naturally. Because I mostly write scripts and plays, I have never really thought about point of view, until I started the MAPW Program.
In many of my courses at Kennesaw State, I have been pushed to go beyond my limits and try different techniques in my writing. I have found that playing with point of view helps me see my story from different sides. For example, if I write in first person I get a better since of who the main character is. The character becomes a little more dimensional. If I write in third person omniscient I get a better idea of who all the characters are, and this helps me identify with these characters. Sometimes I just use different points of view to help me along in the story, and then I choose which one is the best for the piece.
Some of you may be thinking, " If she writes plays, what does she care about point of 
view?" When I am working on a play, I often write in short story form first. This helps me see the whole play in my head, and using different points of view helps me with the characterizations. In play writing, you cannot write out what the character is thinking. A playwright must know their characters well enough that they can portray the character's thoughts through action and dialogue, so the audience can identify with them. The best way for me to do this is to meet my characters in short story form and then "play" with the point of view.
view?" When I am working on a play, I often write in short story form first. This helps me see the whole play in my head, and using different points of view helps me with the characterizations. In play writing, you cannot write out what the character is thinking. A playwright must know their characters well enough that they can portray the character's thoughts through action and dialogue, so the audience can identify with them. The best way for me to do this is to meet my characters in short story form and then "play" with the point of view.
Interesting post, Brittany. I like the idea of writing your play out in short story form first. I can see where that would help you learn more about your characters.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michael. Interesting: do a short story first, then parcel out the roles. A teacher once recommended writing a poema before writing a paper or a book, especially if you're having difficulties. I've been doing it ever since.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that you write your plays as stories first; do other playwrights do that? I think Tennessee Williams did some sketches of his plays...
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