* Doesn't participate in the story: They are not a character within the narrative, and their presence is not felt.
* Reports events without personal opinions or feelings: They act like a camera, simply observing and recording what happens.
* Doesn't have access to characters' thoughts: The narrator only describes what they see and hear, not the internal lives of the characters.
Here's how it compares to other types of narration:
* First-person: The story is told from the perspective of a character within the story, using "I" and "me".
* Third-person limited: The story is told from the perspective of one specific character, but the narrator has access to that character's thoughts and feelings.
* Third-person omniscient: The story is told from a perspective that knows everything about all the characters and events, including their thoughts and feelings.
Example:
Imagine a scene where two characters are having a tense conversation. In an objective or camera eye view, the narrator would simply describe their actions and words:
> "John slammed his fist on the table. 'I can't believe you did that,' he shouted. Sarah stared at him, her jaw clenched."
Here's what the scene *wouldn't* include:
* Internal thoughts or feelings: The narrator wouldn't describe John's anger or Sarah's fear, as they don't have access to those emotions.
* The narrator's own opinion: The narrator wouldn't say "John was furious" or "Sarah was terrified," as that would be an interpretation, not an objective observation.
Benefits of objective or camera eye view:
* Creates a sense of realism: The story feels more grounded and objective.
* Forces readers to interpret: The lack of commentary encourages readers to draw their own conclusions about the characters and events.
* Can be used to create suspense: By withholding information, the narrator can build tension and keep readers guessing.
Drawbacks of objective or camera eye view:
* Can feel emotionally distant: The lack of personal connection can make it difficult for readers to connect with the characters.
* May not be suitable for all stories: Some stories require a more emotional or intimate perspective.
Overall, objective or camera eye view is a powerful tool that can be used to create a unique and engaging reading experience.