This short video and support article will help you understand the Deep POV analysis section in the Fiction Analyzer.
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Video Walkthrough
Text Walkthrough
What is Deep Point of View?
Deep Point of View (Deep POV) is a writing technique that allows readers to experience the story from the perspective of a specific character, immersing them fully in the character's thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences. The aim is to put the reader in the character’s shoes, making them feel as though they are living through the character’s experiences.
When writing in Deep POV, you should only include information that the viewpoint character would logically know or perceive. You want to avoid “head hopping,” which occurs when the narrative suddenly shifts to another character’s perspective without a clear transition, or when you share information that the viewpoint character wouldn’t know.
This technique restricts the narrative to the thoughts, emotions, and knowledge of the specific character. Therefore, the reader cannot see or know anything beyond what the character themselves sees or knows. This means:
No scenes or events that occur outside the character's immediate experience.
No knowledge of the future, as the character can only know what has happened up until the present.
No external narrative comments; the reader should always feel like they are in the character's head, experiencing their viewpoint.
No details that wouldn’t make sense for the character to notice, especially in high-stakes or action scenes where their focus would be elsewhere.
Using the Deep Point of View Report in the Fiction Analyzer
The Deep Point of View Report in AutoCrit's Fiction Analyzer helps you identify places in your manuscript where you might have unintentionally broken the rules of Deep POV. To use the Deep POV report:
Navigate to the Fiction Analyzer: You can find it by clicking on "Analysis" and then "Fiction Analyzer".
How to find the Fiction Analyzer:
Locate the Deep Point of View Report: Scroll down to find the "Deep Point of View" section in the Story Analyzer.
Generate the Report: Click the "Generate" button within the Deep Point of View window. The report will provide feedback on areas where you may have violated the principles of Deep POV. This could include highlighting moments where you’ve mentioned information that the viewpoint character wouldn’t know, scenes from outside the character's perspective, or any narrative intrusions.
Tip for Using the Deep POV Report
If the feedback in the report seems unclear or inaccurate, try clicking the "Generate analysis" button again to re-run the analysis. Remember that when you do this, any information that hasn't been copied or saved elsewhere will be cleared. Re-generating the report can sometimes yield better results, as the AI may provide a more refined analysis on a subsequent attempt.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can ensure that your narrative remains consistent with the principles of Deep Point of View, helping to create a more immersive and engaging experience for your readers.