Writing Excuses

19.42: A Close Reading on Structure: Whose Perspective is it Anyways?

Oct 20, 2024

The discussion tackles the intricate relationship between narrative structure and point of view, exemplified by N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season. It highlights how perspective shifts impact emotional depth, using characters like Cyanite and Alabaster to uncover their transformational journeys. Second-person narration is explored for its ability to connect readers with marginalized experiences. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with character perspectives through a creative writing prompt, fostering deeper engagement with their storytelling.

21:56

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Quick takeaways

The podcast highlights how the non-linear narrative structure and shifting perspectives in N.K. Jemisin's work deepen emotional arcs, enhancing reader engagement.

The use of second-person perspective invites readers to personally connect with the characters' experiences, emphasizing themes of identity and marginalization.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Unraveling Narrative Perspectives

6min

Examining Narrative Depth: Alabaster's World-Breaking Choices

2min

Exploring Narrative Perspectives

6min

The Power of Narrative Perspective

8min

Exploring Character Consistency and Relationships

3min

Structure and POV (point of view) are often intertwined. In N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season, we see this in the myriad perspective shifts. In this episode, we talk about the importance of these shifts on the structure of the book. How does the narrator talk directly to us, and what purpose does this second-person perspective serve? DongWon shares one of their theories with us on the relationship between author, reader, and POV.

P.S. Do you want a signed special edition copy of The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin? Preorder The Orbit Gold Edition set before November 19th to get 20% off! Visit orbitgoldeditions.com to order.

Thing of the Week: Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell

Homework: Think about the main character of your story, and carve their life up into three different pieces. Have one of those pieces/ perspectives write to another piece, using second perspective.

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Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

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