#AP English Literature: Narrator and Point of View Study Guide

Hey there, future AP Lit superstar! 👋 Ready to dive into the world of narrators and points of view? This guide is your go-to resource for mastering these crucial concepts, especially if you're reviewing the night before the exam. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it!

Jump to Narrator Basics
Jump to Point of View
Jump to Influence of Narrator/Speaker
Jump to Influence of POV
Jump to Test Yourself Answer
Jump to Final Exam Focus
Jump to Practice Questions

#Narrator Basics 🗣️

Let's start with the fundamentals. What exactly is a narrator, and how is it different from a speaker or the author?

• Narrator: The voice telling the story in a narrative. Think of them as the storyteller. They can be a character within the story or an external voice.

• Speaker: The voice in a poem or song. They express thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

• Author: The person who creates the work. Remember, the narrator/speaker is NOT always the author! They are often fictional characters created by the author.

#What is Point of View? 🧐

Point of View (POV) is the angle from which the story is told. It shapes how much access we have to characters' thoughts and feelings. Here are the main types:

• First-Person: Uses "I" and "me." We see the story through the narrator's eyes.
• Second-Person: Uses "you" and "your," making the reader a character. (Rare, but good to know!)
• Third-Person: Uses "he," "she," "it," and "they." More objective, like an outsider looking in.

  • Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all characters. They can jump between different characters' perspectives.