Multiple viewpoints are a useful way to add layers and complexity to a novel--as long as the transition and type of shift are written well.
Up until recently, I had never planned to write a multiple-viewpoint novel. The thing that came the closest to that was A Corgi Tale, a couple of years ago. At several points in that story, one of the three main characters is separated from the others, and the third-person narrator describes their thoughts and actions one at a time.
That sort of shifting viewpoint can be thought of as "Convenience Shift"--characters are put into the spotlight as it works to enhance the plot. This works well enough, though there is one major problem with this type of multiple viewpoints. That is, that it is possible for a writer to create a character just for a single scene, and then have that character as the narrator.
On a forum, one of the members posted something that has stuck with me for months. An author (I don't think it mentioned who, but if it has, I have forgotten it) created the character of a janitor in a building. This janitor became the main character for a brief scene. The reader "observes" this new viewpoint character as he cleans, opens a closet, and is murdered by a criminal hiding in the closet. That was the entire use of the janitor, even as a viewpoint character!
That scene would have worked if there had been another character, one that was a common viewpoint character, that had observed the murder.
Writers, viewpoint shift can be hard for the reader. Do not change viewpoint without a good reason for doing so. And there may well be a good reason. Just make sure that it is worth risking possible confusion and frustration for your readers!
Tomorrow's post will describe the two other types of multiple viewpoint.
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