As listeners and communicators, here are several questions to prayerfully consider:

1. What point of view is the narrator coming from? 

     A. First Person - The story is told by a character in the story. The character/observer's view is from within the story. This character cannot enter into the minds of other characters in the story. We learn what happens to the characters through the eyes of the first person. It is based on what he sees, hears or knows.  A disadvantage is that the story can be manipulated by this person.

     B.  Objective - The story is told by a narrator that is not a character in the story. The character/observer's view is from outside of the story. There is no middleman to interpret and/or manipulate the story. 

     C.  Limited Omniscient - The story is told by the narrator outside of the story. This narrator can also see into one of the character's mind. This character/observer's view is from within the story, and outside of the story. Objectivity is limited. When character is reacting to other characters, he is also limited. He can get into one of the character's mind and have a degree of understanding. Character is chosen for his influence and ability to shape the story. Very limited interpretation is going on.

     D. Omniscient - All knowing. Narrator can read into the minds of all the characters in the story.

 

2. Does the narrator know the hearts and minds of different characters?

3. How much does the narrator know about the characters?

4. Are the characters interpreted/analyzed for us?

5.  Last listed but "most important", have we sought the Lord on the matter for ourselves and has the Holy Spirit given us confirmation that what is shared is the truth?

***View subpages for more...