Who
here watches Downton Abbey? Did you raise your hand? BRAVO! If you don’t you really should. The PBS drama Downton Abbey is a wonderful study in how to write
multiple POV’s—WELL!
I
usually stay away from stories like this because I always have the same
problem. I end up liking one character’s story more than another. Then the rest
of the book or I’m anxious to get back to the part of the story I really like.
I end up hating the other characters.
But
Downton has found a way around this problem (and why did I not think of this?)—Tangle up the storylines so that each
character’s story affects someone else. I won’t spoil the plot, but…Mary’s
secret affects Anna, Anna’s choices affect Bates, Bates is changed by Thomas…and
on and on it goes. Like a great game of dominoes.
The
best literary example I can think of that uses this principle is Lord of the
Rings. The characters fates are so intertwined we care about them all.
If
you want to see the ensemble cast done right, watch Downton Abbey or if you
just want to be swept away for a few hours… still watch Downton Abbey.
-Angie
