Five Ways to Differentiate Multiple POVs

If you're writing a novel with multiple point-of-view (POV) characters, it's important that each one feels distinct, rather than like different iterations of the same person. This can be tricky, but there are many ways to achieve it. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you write. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and not all of these hints will work for every writer or every book. But I have found these suggestions helpful as I juggle two POVs in my own work in progress (WIP).

​1. Sentence construction and length
This is one of the subtler suggestions on this list, but you can vary the sentence length and construction for each character. For instance, one character might think or speak in short, decisive statements, while another rolls on in long, complicated sentences. In my own WIP, one character tends to think in questions, conveying her uncertain, insecure nature. The other character speaks in short, confident statements, signaling a more close-minded view of the world.

2. Dialogue and word choice
Each character's dialogue can do a lot to set them apart. They might have a catch phrase or a specific way of swearing (or a complete avoidance of swear words). For more information about how to convey personality with dialogue, see my previous post on the importance of dialogue tags.

In a broader sense, your word choice for each character can also make an important difference. Do they use eloquent, fluffy words, even in their internal monologue? Perhaps they're more precise and direct. Their general disposition can be conveyed through the words you use when writing from their perspective—whether they're funny, morose, cheerful, or bitter.

3. Their focus or worldview
Each character should have a unique worldview based largely on their background. Their motivations, opinions, and emotional awareness will all contribute to their focus. What do they notice when describing things? A florist might name every flower they see along the sidewalk, while a construction worker might pay more attention to the cracked concrete.

In my WIP, one of my characters tends to notice the sky a lot, and it often has an emotional impact on her. But my other character, while oblivious to the more ethereal nature of things above, is hyperaware of what occurs around him, at his same level. It can be subtle, but I use this notion to inform my decisions about what each focuses on or ignores.

4. How they appear to others
If your POV characters interact, show one from the perspective of another. What quirks or mannerisms does character A notice about character B—that character B doesn't notice about themselves—and what does that convey to character A? This could be something as simple as character B closing their eyes every time they laugh or running a hand through their hair when they're frustrated.

One way I like to do this is to relate each character to an animal and then have their movements subconsciously mimic that animal. One of my characters often likens the other to a bird and, when describing her, uses words like flutter or perch to convey that image to the reader without overstating it.

5. Their actions
Perhaps the most obvious way to differentiate your characters is to have them react to the same situation in different ways. If a fight breaks out, one character might boldly charge into the action, while another hangs back, afraid or indecisive. Maybe one character starts the fight, and another attempts to restore peace. As you come to know your characters, you'll better understand what each of them would do in a given situation. To make each of them feel distinct, make it clear to yourself and the reader what actions are automatic for the character but also where they draw the line.

​If you're writing a novel with multiple POVs, I congratulate you. That's hard to do! But I've found that some of the subtlest details can make a big difference in how real and diverse your characters feel. That goes for non-POV characters too.

If you need someone's support as you determine how to better differentiate your characters, check out my beta critique service, which includes a character evaluation. I'd love to help, so get in touch today!