By Editor Safiya Tariq
In the previous part of this POV series, we explored the different types of POV’s that exist and what they mean. In this part we will expand upon the use of the third person Dual POV. The majority of Harlequin series novels use this POV due to the benefits it has to offer.
What is Dual POV?
In a Harlequin romance, the Dual POV switches the narrative from the heroine to the hero where appropriate. This can be as often as twice a chapter, or the hero’s POV might be shown every couple of chapters. The heroine will express her thoughts and feelings on their relationship. Then the hero will express his thoughts and feelings, whether they are similar or different to the heroine’s.
Connecting to the Character
This dual structure gives the reader a deep dive into who these characters are to their core. What are their unfiltered emotions? What emotions do they struggle with? The reader is with them at their most vulnerable. In the rollercoaster of romance, here is where we gain the clearest understanding of how the hero and heroine truly feel about each other. Take for example a reunion romance where the characters are forced to be together again. They might appear to hate being in each other’s presence as every conversation leads to frustration. However, being in the individual character’s POV, the veil is lifted, and we see the reality of how they feel – their hidden desires.
For a Harlequin series romance, by the end of the story, both of your characters should be liked by the reader. The dual POV is helpful here to make your characters feel accessible. Seeing their emotions equally as the romance develops makes it easier to understand the characters’ mistakes. Especially at the crisis point, where built up tension explodes into seemingly irreconcilable differences. The hero may do or say something that emotionally hurts the heroine, or vice versa. For example, a king brings his convenient marriage to an end, breaking his wife’s heart as she has begun to love him. His POV will show that his intention was to let the heroine pursue her life-long dream of travelling the world, something that she isn’t able to do as his queen. Dual POV’s should be used intentionally, and for impact on the emotions of the story.
Internal Conflicts
A crucial aspect of a Harlequin novel is the internal conflicts that our characters face. The experiences they had in their past that are getting in the way of their current romance. It motivates what the characters say, do and think. The dual POV is a great tool for exploring what their internal conflicts are and how it has had a long-lasting impact on who they are.
For example, your heroine has been cast out from her wealthy family. To appear unphased, she wears a wild-child façade and purposefully creates a negative reputation for herself. The billionaire alpha hero forced to employ her believes (at least in the beginning) that she truly is self-destructive. But only the heroine and the reader know that deep down she’s lonely, abandoned and hardened by her experiences. Following the change in how the heroine and hero perceive each other as their conflicts unfold will show all the layers of the characters.
Although there are other POV’s that can be used, most Harlequin series novels use the third person dual POV. Authors love using it, and readers expect to see it. When used correctly, it will amplify all the emotions coursing through your story and have the greatest impact on your readers!
The ways in which you can use the dual POV in your own story – and the ways not to use it – will be explored in the third, and final, part of this POV series!
Interested in more Romance Glossary Deep Dives? Find all our breakdown posts here!
