“YOU LEAD, I’LL FOLLOW”

     Character-Driven POV

 

 

                       

            To non-writers, what I’m about to say will sound strange, if not a bit crazy, but okay, here goes. Most writers or creative individuals experience vivid images, whether awake or asleep. At least I do, and sometimes they see faces and hear voices not associated with mental illness. And which most times develop into a story.

 

Also, once this happens and the creative juices flow freely, characters are born. These characters come equipped with personalities, egos, and voices that often speak directly to the writer and an exciting cast of players.

 

Thus, a character-driven POV directs the story’s tone, dictates what each word, paragraph, chapter, and other character development will become.

A character-driven POV is just that and focuses more on character development,

such as the protagonists, antagonists, love interests, and the overall solidity of all characters.

 

Now, I understand the argument of character-driven POV versus plot-driven POV also the different headings assigned to each.  In my opinion, neither outweighs the other.

 

Still, it enables the writer to derive a plot equally crucial to the character’s POV.

They work together and are necessary. And once you understand how it all works to form a well-defined story that requires less fine-tuning and more structure in the end.

 

Whether your story only consists of the main characters Pov or many, the trick is not to overdevelop character Pov. Or, in other words, too many POVs. Which questions how many or too many or not enough?

 The best way to answer that question is if it confuses you to keep up with multiple POVs, then you have your answer—the easiest way to keep balance throughout the story arc.  

 

How important is a clear direction? Significantly, no matter if your Pov is character-driven or plot-driven, the goal is to use your characters to lead a worthwhile journey the writer won’t mind following.