Which term describes the point of view where the narrator is outside of the story and acts as an observer?

• A. First person
• B. Second person
• C. Third person
• D. Omniscient

Answer: (C)

In narration, distance from the action defines the point of view. When the narrator is outside the story and simply observes what happens, the narration is in third person. This means the voice uses he, she, they and isn’t a character within the story telling from personal experience. It can describe events and dialogue without necessarily revealing a character’s private thoughts, or it may vary in how much it reveals. Omniscient is a special third-person form where the narrator knows all characters’ thoughts and feelings, which goes beyond a straightforward observer. Since the description points to an outside, observing voice, the broad label that fits best is third person.