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Q&A How to write a book from NOT the main character's POV and then organically switch the main character

I have two suggestions: Classical approach by chapter: First chapter is an exhibition or prelude from the villain's POV. Where the MC maybe has a role in it, so the reader is introduced to him...

posted 2mo ago by Antares‭  ·  edited 2mo ago by Antares‭

Answer
#2: Post edited by user avatar Antares‭ · 2024-09-01T21:11:46Z (about 2 months ago)
  • I have two suggestions:
  • * Classical approach by chapter: First chapter is an exhibition or prelude from the villain's POV. Where the MC maybe has a role in it, so the reader is introduced to him.
  • The next chapter then jumps to the MC.
  • But keep in mind: You can "surprise" the reader surely, but if you downright "lie" in their face the whole time and then midway of the book switch characters, this might lead to frustration. The reader invested time and kept reading because he thought this char was interesting. It should be stringent who plays the main role from some point on.
  • * Unconventional approach: Use two colors. With this you can even have inner monologue or direct dialog between them in one passage.
  • I have two suggestions:
  • * Classical approach by chapter: First chapter is an exhibition or prelude from the villain's POV. Where the MC maybe has a role in it, so the reader is introduced to him. Some thing about him should be identifiable.
  • The next chapter then jumps to the MC. And here you can use the identifying thing to establish that the reader is now in a different role.
  • But keep in mind: You can "surprise" the reader surely, but if you downright "lie" in their face over large parts of the story and then midway of the book switch characters, this might lead to frustration. The reader invested time and kept reading because he thought this char was interesting. It should be stringent who plays the main role from some point on.
  • * Unconventional approach: Use two colors. With this you can even have inner monologue or direct dialog between them in one passage.
#1: Initial revision by user avatar Antares‭ · 2024-09-01T21:09:38Z (about 2 months ago)
I have two suggestions:

* Classical approach by chapter: First chapter is an exhibition or prelude from the villain's POV. Where the MC maybe has a role in it, so the reader is introduced to him. 

   The next chapter then jumps to the MC.

   But keep in mind: You can "surprise" the reader surely, but if you downright "lie" in their face the whole time and then midway of the book switch characters, this might lead to frustration. The reader invested time and kept reading because he thought this char was interesting. It should be stringent who plays the main role from some point on.

* Unconventional approach: Use two colors. With this you can even have inner monologue or direct dialog between them in one passage.