Every story has a narrator, and how that narrator tells the story shapes everything. Narrative perspective is usually broken down into three types: first-person (“I”), second-person (“you”), and third-person (“he,” “she,” or “they”). Choosing the right one is crucial for any writer.
One of the most powerful, and sometimes trickiest, choices is the third-person omniscient narrator. This means the story is told from an outside perspective using pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they,” but unlike a limited third-person view, the narrator knows everything. They have access to the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.
So, what exactly is a third-person omniscient narrator? We’ll define it, look at examples, explore its advantages, and discuss techniques for using it effectively.
What is third-person omniscient narration?
The hallmark of a third-person omniscient narrator is that they know everything about everyone in the story. They can access all the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and actions. This type of narrator is “all-seeing and all-knowing,” which lends a “godlike” or “authorial” feel to the narrative.
The narrator doesn’t participate in the story, but watches it unfold from the outside, referring to characters using the pronouns “he,” “she,” “it,” and “they.”
The third-person omniscient narrator has access to a wide range of knowledge, which allows them to describe the setting in sweeping detail, and to pause the story for philosophical musings or commentary.
Because they’re not tied to any one character or place, the narrator can move freely through time and space and can comment on the story from a detached perspective.
Third-Person Omniscient vs. Third-Person Limited: What’s the Difference?
Third-person limited narration tells a story through one character’s eyes. You only know what that character knows, thinks, and feels. The story is limited to their perspective.
Third-person omniscient, on the other hand, gives the narrator access to everyone’s thoughts and feelings. The narrator isn’t stuck with just one viewpoint; they can reveal things that no single character knows.
A common problem with omniscient narration is “head-hopping,” where you jump between characters’ thoughts too quickly and without warning. The key is to make sure your narrative voice stays consistent, even when you’re showing different perspectives.
Why use third-person omniscient?
Writing in the third-person omniscient provides several advantages, particularly when you have a complex story to tell.
Enhanced storytelling capabilities
This perspective gives you a broader narrative scope, allowing you to develop complex plots and subplots. It’s especially useful when you’re creating an intricate fictional world with a large cast of characters and interwoven storylines.
Deeper character insights
You can delve into the motivations and inner lives of multiple characters, offering a richer understanding of their actions and decisions. It allows you to explore the intricate relationships between characters, highlighting their connections and conflicts.
Authorial voice and commentary
Writing from this perspective allows you to develop a more engaging authorial voice, adding layers of meaning to the narrative. You can explore broader contexts, such as historical, philosophical, or social themes, adding depth and resonance to your story.
Examples of third-person omniscient in literature
Many classic novels use the third-person omniscient point of view to weave together complex characters and plot lines. Here are a few examples:
Case study: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy’s epic novel uses an omniscient narrator to explore the Napoleonic Wars and their impact on all levels of Russian society. The narrator delves into the thoughts and feelings of aristocrats, peasants, and soldiers, giving the reader a bird’s-eye view of the era.
Case study: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Austen’s beloved novel uses an omniscient narrator to provide social commentary and explore the intricacies of relationships in 19th-century England. The narrator reveals the inner thoughts and motivations of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and a host of other characters, allowing the reader to understand the social mores of the time and the complex dynamics between individuals.
Case study: Middlemarch by George Eliot
Eliot’s masterpiece uses an omniscient narrator to explore the complexities of provincial life and the moral dilemmas faced by her characters. The narrator provides insights into the social, political, and intellectual currents of the time, giving the reader a deep understanding of the world in which the characters live and the forces that shape their lives.
Techniques for writing in third-person omniscient
If you’re trying your hand at writing in third-person omniscient, here are a few techniques that may help you keep your story on track:
Establish a consistent narrative voice
Think of the narrator as a character in their own right. What’s their personality? Are they chatty and gossipy, or more reserved and academic? Whatever you choose, keep the tone and style consistent throughout the story. Avoid sudden shifts in voice that can distract the reader.
Transition smoothly between viewpoints
Sudden “head-hopping” (jumping abruptly into a new character’s thoughts) can confuse the reader. Use transitional phrases or sentences to signal that you’re shifting the perspective. For example, you might write, “Meanwhile, Sarah was thinking…” or “Across town, John had a very different idea…”
Balance omniscience with character perspectives
Omniscience can be a powerful tool for creating empathy and engagement. Give the reader enough detail about your characters’ thoughts and feelings that they feel connected, but don’t overwhelm them with too much information. You want them to feel like they’re experiencing the story alongside your characters, not just reading a report about them.
Manage transitions between characters and scenes
Closing Thoughts
Third-person omniscient narration, where the narrator knows everything about all the characters and events in the story, is a powerful and flexible tool for writers. It offers enhanced storytelling capabilities, deeper insights into characters’ thoughts and feelings, and the ability to create a distinct authorial voice.
If you’re looking to expand your narrative toolkit, experiment with third-person omniscient narration. Study the works of masters like Tolstoy, Austen, and Eliot for inspiration. Pay close attention to how they establish a consistent narrative voice and seamlessly transition between characters’ perspectives.
With practice, you can harness the power of third-person omniscient narration to create rich, complex, and engaging stories that captivate your readers.