Author's Point of View Worksheet

Author's Point of View

Read each passage or question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Pay close attention to the author's use of language, character perspectives, and narrative techniques to determine the point of view.

1. Define 'point of view' in literature and explain why it is important for a reader to identify it.

Read the following passage and determine the narrator's point of view: "The old man sat by the window, watching the rain fall. He often thought of his youth, a time when the world seemed full of endless possibilities. His grandson, a spirited boy of ten, burst into the room, oblivious to the quiet contemplation of his elder. 'Grandpa, can we play cards?' he asked, his eyes bright with excitement."

2. What is the point of view of the passage?

3. In   point of view, the narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" or "we."

4. A narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character is using   point of view.

5. When the narrator addresses the reader directly using "you," it is known as   point of view.

6. An omniscient narrator can reveal the inner thoughts of all characters.

7. A first-person narrator always provides a completely objective account of events.

8. Consider a story you have read recently. Describe how the author's choice of point of view influenced your understanding of the characters and events. Would the story be different if told from another perspective?

9. Rewrite the following short paragraph from a different point of view. Original: "She walked into the bustling market, her senses overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and exotic smells. A vendor called out, offering her a sweet mango, but she hurried past, intent on finding the silk merchant."