What is an Omniscient POV? Definition and Writing Guide

In the world of fiction writing, choosing the right point of view (POV) can shape the entire feel and focus of a story. One of the most powerful, yet often misunderstood, is omniscient point of view. This narrative style allows the storyteller to step outside the limitations of a single character and offer a broader, more expansive lens. 

So, what exactly is omniscient POV? And how’s it different from things like third person limited or first person? Let’s break it down.

What Is an Omniscient Point of View?

In an omniscient point of view, the narrator knows everything. This narrator’s voice isn’t tied to any one character, but rather a deity or godlike all-knowing presence. The narrator is more like an all-seeing guide who can dip in and out of different minds, give you background info, drop future hints, or even make cheeky comments along the way.

This kind of narration is perfect for stories that have a big cast, a wide world, or scenes happening all over the place. It’s why you’ll often see omniscient narration used in epic fantasy novels.

Omniscient POV vs. Third Person Limited

It’s easy to confuse omniscient third person with third person limited, but they’re not the same.

In third person limited, the narrator sticks with one character’s perspective at a time. We get to see their thoughts, their feelings, and what they notice. We’re inside their head, but we don’t know what’s going on with the other characters unless they guess or find out. We only know what they know and what they are thinking.

Third person omniscient, on the other hand, zooms out. The narrator can show us what everyone’s thinking and feeling. They’re not guessing. They know. You might get a glimpse into the hero’s fear, the villain’s next move, and the narrator’s own thoughts about it all, back to back.

To make it simpler. Third person limited point of view feels like standing over one character’s shoulder, while omniscient POV feels like flying above the entire story world.

The Pros of Using Omniscient POV

There are many pros to using an omniscient narrator. For stories with complex plots or a cast of main characters, using omniscient narration is a great way to get to know your leading cast and feel like you are watching the story unfold.

A third person omniscient point of view can also offer the story a unique voice. Almost as if you are being read the story by another all-knowing character entirely. This makes it fit in perfectly with many other fantasy tropes. 

Using an omniscient narrator gives your reader access to the narrator’s knowledge. This allows for deeper world-building and more insight into the story’s narrative. You can explore history, context and detail without being bound to what the characters know.

Common Pitfalls of Omniscient POV 

But omniscient narration isn’t right for every story.

One of the most common issues with omniscient narration is head hopping. Jumping from character to character without clarity or too much jumping around with POV shifts can make some stories feel needlessly complicated. Ask yourself if this style of narrative voice suits your story at all.

Another thing to consider is narrative distance. Because omniscient POV doesn’t stick close to any one character for too long, the story can sometimes feel emotionally distant. Readers might not connect as deeply with anyone if they’re being pulled in too many directions.

Take a look at what you want your entire novel to feel like. Do you imagine an all-knowing presence letting you know what all the characters are thinking? If not, perhaps you want to focus on just the one character in a close third person point of view. 

So before going full god-mode with your narrator’s knowledge, ask yourself:

• Does this story need multiple viewpoints?
• Will an all-knowing narrator add to the tone and feel?
• Or would sticking with a deep third person POV create more emotional impact?

Find out more about 3rd Person Point of View.

When Should Writers Use Omniscient POV?

Not every story suits omniscient narration, but when it works, it really works. Here’s when it tends to shine:

• You have multiple main characters
• The plot spans a large world or timeline
• You want to include a clear narrative voice
• You need to explore different angles of a scene in one go

But most writers today lean toward close third person, deep third person or first person POV because these styles offer a more immediate emotional impact. Still, omniscient POV has its place.

See how some Authors of Fantasy Books do it right.

POVs in Fantasy Storytelling

Omniscient narration has been a staple of fantasy literature for ages. Writers of epic fantasy often use third person omniscience to weave together sprawling storylines and show readers what’s happening across kingdoms, battlefields and back alleys without being tied to a single POV.

If you want to try fantasy that pushes boundaries and invites fresh perspectives, the In All Jest series is a great place to start. With its intricate world, compelling characters and a story that blends wit, depth and epic adventure, it’s a reminder of how flexible and expansive fantasy storytelling can be.

Whether you’re a writer experimenting with narrative forms or a reader looking for immersive tales, exploring new approaches to point of view is just one more step in expanding your creative universe.