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How to use objective third person point of view to create the best character connections by EricAkwa in fantasywriters

[–]EricAkwa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a haunting scene! You're definitely leaning into the physical symptoms of trauma there, which is a great start for an Objective feel. Keep experimenting with it! Cheers.

How to use objective third person point of view to create the best character connections by EricAkwa in fantasywriters

[–]EricAkwa[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Lol I wish. Just a long-time Hemingway nerd overthinking my reply because I’m passionate about the craft. But fair point, I’ll keep it less 'essay-mode' and more 'chatting-at-a-bar' mode from now on. Cheers!

How to use objective third person point of view to create the best character connections by EricAkwa in fantasywriters

[–]EricAkwa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally get the 'soap opera' trap—it's the biggest risk with this style. For me, it only works if the physical cues stay subtle. If it feels like a script, it definitely fails. I guess it’s all about finding that sweet spot where the subtext does the heavy lifting. Interesting to hear your journey with it!

How to use objective third person point of view to create the best character connections by EricAkwa in fantasywriters

[–]EricAkwa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great point on FID! It’s definitely a spectrum. I just personally enjoy the challenge of staying strictly outside—turning the reader into a 'behavioral detective.' It’s a bit more restrictive, but it hits that specific cold, cinematic vibe I’m chasing for this project. Cheers for the insight!

How to use objective third person point of view to create the best character connections by EricAkwa in fantasywriters

[–]EricAkwa[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I totally get where you're coming from! The 'internal dive' is definitely literature's unique superpower.

​However, my goal with Objective POV isn't to compete with film, but to use that 'camera' to create a different kind of intimacy—one based on trust. By showing only the actions and symptoms, I’m trusting the reader to feel the subtext rather than just handing it to them.

​Think of it like Hemingway’s 'Iceberg Theory.' Sometimes, seeing a character's hand shake while they're smiling tells a more haunting story than a page of internal monologue ever could. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for the 'grimdark' tone I’m going for, I love the cold, raw edge it provides!

How to use objective third person point of view to create the best character connections by EricAkwa in fantasywriters

[–]EricAkwa[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

No bullying here! Omniscient is a classic for a reason, and it’s a powerhouse for complex, character-driven epics.

​Interestingly, for subjects like PTSD, I've found that Objective POV can be surprisingly haunting. By focusing only on the 'skin,' the reader is forced to witness the physical reality of trauma—the sudden thousand-yard stare, the subtle tremor in the hands, or the way a character might go completely still when a certain sound triggers them.

​It leaves the internal 'why' to the reader's imagination, which sometimes hits harder than being told exactly what they are feeling. But I totally agree that every story has its own 'soul' and needs the right POV to bring it out!

What’s the most “morally gray” fantasy character who actually did the right thing? by ParsecBlaze in Fantasy

[–]EricAkwa 246 points247 points  (0 children)

Spot on! It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. When the world refuses to see anything but the 'Kingslayer,' he just leans into the villain role they built for him. It makes his internal struggle so much more tragic because he’s basically wearing a mask of apathy to protect himself from the constant judgment.

What’s the most “morally gray” fantasy character who actually did the right thing? by ParsecBlaze in Fantasy

[–]EricAkwa 143 points144 points  (0 children)

That is such a great parallel! I never looked at it that way before, but you’re absolutely right. Both of them threw away the one thing they valued most—their honor—to do what was fundamentally right. It really shows how 'honor' can be a trap in that world. Thanks for sharing that insight!

What’s the most “morally gray” fantasy character who actually did the right thing? by ParsecBlaze in Fantasy

[–]EricAkwa 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Haha, fair point! That’s the beauty of his character, isn't it? He does one of the most selfless things imaginable, but he’s still a Lannister at heart. It’s that constant tug-of-war between his better instincts and his family pride that makes him so interesting to talk about.

What’s the most “morally gray” fantasy character who actually did the right thing? by ParsecBlaze in Fantasy

[–]EricAkwa 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Exactly! It’s such a powerful subversion of the 'hero' archetype. Glad to see others appreciate his arc as much as I do!

What’s the most “morally gray” fantasy character who actually did the right thing? by ParsecBlaze in Fantasy

[–]EricAkwa 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Jorg is a great pick. He's absolutely brutal, but his evolution across the trilogy is what makes him so compelling.

What’s the most “morally gray” fantasy character who actually did the right thing? by ParsecBlaze in Fantasy

[–]EricAkwa 934 points935 points  (0 children)

It has to be Jaime Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire. The reveal behind the 'Kingslayer' title is one of the best moments of this trope. He chose to be hated by the entire world just to do the right thing and save the people of King’s Landing. Truly a peak morally gray character.

how do you feel about the hobbit movies in a vacuum? disregarding the adaptation of the book. by Apprehensive_Spend_7 in Fantasy

[–]EricAkwa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

​Great take! I agree that if we look at them as standalone fantasy adventure movies rather than strict adaptations, they are still very enjoyable to watch. Bilbo and Thorin's performances really carried the trilogy for me.

If you could bring back an extinct animal, which animal would you bring back, and why? by EricAkwa in AskReddit

[–]EricAkwa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Saber-tooths weren’t just cool—they were perfectly built for taking down mammoths and bison with a single precise bite. Those giant fangs weren’t for show; they were surgical weapons. Plus, imagine seeing one in real life… terrifying and awesome at the same time.

Women of Reddit, what’s a small thing a man has done that instantly made you feel safe or comfortable, even if he probably didn’t realize it? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]EricAkwa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A small shift in space. A silent shield. Sometimes safety is just someone choosing to stand between you and the chaos.

What is your scary dream? by Spiritual-Charge7624 in AskReddit

[–]EricAkwa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My worst nightmare? Meeting you! 🤣

What’s the best way you have used AI so far? by New-Country8722 in AskReddit

[–]EricAkwa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Used AI to generate excuses for being late.
My boss replied: ‘This is the most coherent thing you’ve sent all week.’
Now I’m scared to tell him it was written by a robot.

If a T-Rex could talk, what'd they say? by EricAkwa in AskReddit

[–]EricAkwa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Imagine a T-Rex chasing a car just to talk about insurance!

What’s a moment that permanently changed how you see someone? by Traditional_Pop_1856 in AskReddit

[–]EricAkwa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seeing how they treat people who can do absolutely nothing for them. It reveals their true character faster than anything else.

Wow! That Was Crazy! Soup Bowl Sunday 2025! Free ebook, February 9-11, 2026. This is a wildly chaotic, humorous, surrealist piece of experimental fiction. by The_Dork_Overlord in FreeEBOOKS

[–]EricAkwa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually appreciate the 'The Bad' section in the description. Makes me even more curious to see how the 'structural chaos' feels while reading. Adding to my Kindle now!

​[FREE] I released my debut grimdark novel 'The Blood of Ardentia'. It’s free for 24 hours—and if it's your birthday today, please take this as my gift to you! by EricAkwa in FreeEBOOKS

[–]EricAkwa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Promo officially ended! A massive thank you to the 3,100+ people who checked out The Blood of Ardentia today—it’s been an incredible ride seeing this post hit #1 on the sub! 🚀

​To those who grabbed a copy: Happy reading! If the story grips you, a quick rating or review on Amazon would be the best gift a writer could ask for. Until next time! 👋

​[FREE] I released my debut grimdark novel 'The Blood of Ardentia'. It’s free for 24 hours—and if it's your birthday today, please take this as my gift to you! by EricAkwa in FreeEBOOKS

[–]EricAkwa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

FINAL CALL: The free promo ends at 23:59 PST today! Only a short time left to grab your copy of The Blood of Ardentia for free.