posted
I have read stories with two separate time lines but through eyes of the same character. Or, in some other stories, (read: Tolkien) the stories and characters are completely separated yet joined with major events and/or mission.
With my next story, I have decided to take the following approach: the story is a single line, but it is seen from the perspective of two characters. With this, the reader can see the same event (in which both characters participated) through two different sets of eyes. I can also divide these characters and give them separate journeys. When they meet again, they have different experiences and again different ways of seeing the same event. As each of the characters grew to be different from the other, this in my opinion brings a good way to develop the story and to give a greater depth to it.
posted
The only book I can think of with 2 points of view is Mr. X. by Peter Straub. The POV changes with different chapters. You know whose POV it is, because it is either the MC or the chapter starts out with the line: Mr. X.
The novel was fine, but not on my recommended list. I wasn't turned off by the style. The key thing I would take away from this book is making sure your readers know whose POV they are looking through, in whatever method you choose.
posted
I'm going through a similar situation with my novel. I think the danger is in keeping it interesting for your readers. I mean, the two different POVs have to be really engaging and distinctive to avoid feeling repetitive.
Arslan by M.J. Engh is structured like this. The book is split in half, the first in one person's POV, the second goes over the same events in another's POV. It was a bit startling when I got to the second POV, and I felt disoriented for a little bit, but it worked. Let me stress, though, that the two POVs were so different (though both written in first person). Also, she doesn't roll back scene for scene; rather, she repeats the events from a broader perspective. Both characters, though they were in the same scenes, have such a different experience and take that it was fascinating to read.
posted
When I read your topic post, I thought it was a terrible idea. But your explanation seems to suggest that you aren't going to use them simultaneously (I hope). You might not be planning on this, but don't use more than one POV within a single scene. You gain so much from bringing the reader into the head of character, and you lose so much by making the reader switch between multiple characters. But as long you use scene breaks, I say go for it.
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posted
No, don't worry. I intend to make a chapter with one POV, then one with the other. It may not always go 1-2-1-2. I might use the same POV for two chapters in a row. But there is a scene where the reader sees the second character from the first character's perspective. You can see what (1) is thinking about (2). Then you see the same event (not whole, just the part that matters) from the POV of the second character, including the first character. Then you see (1) was completely wrong about (2). This misundestanding is very important later in the story.
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posted
I think it's a really fun idea. But I'm curious how you're going to do it, because it sounds to me like you'll be exposing the same event twice. Once through Bob's eyes, and then again through Scott's. While it might feel fresh the second time because Scott's take on it is unique, it might also end up boring because a reader may think "man, I've read this already. I want the story to move forwards. Not two steps forward one step back."
But there might be a particular genre or type of story that would fit this really well. Two detectives seeing the same crime scene, to name an obvious though cliche example.
posted
As I've said, I will repeat only the most important things of the same event. I will come to that part soon and I can translate it to English and give it to someone to be read.
Posts: 1271 | Registered: May 2007
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quote: But your explanation seems to suggest that you aren't going to use them simultaneously (I hope).
Why not? IF done well, that is really what omniscient POV is all about. We get to see both characters' take on the same events.
Think about a scene where the two MCs are on a date. One may ne thinking everything is going well and the other may prefer torture to another minute of the date. From a full Omni POV, you could show both thoughts/reactions as long as you establish the Omni POV and ensure the scene isn't confusing to the reader.
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