Point of View and Modes of Narration Quiz

Directions: Read each passage of the following passages and identify the narrators’ point of view. Shade
in the appropriate bubble.
1. Lone Wolves and Other Frontier Tales by S. Goodson
Red looked across the prairie. He didn't see anything concerning. He wondered why Texas Joe had
hollered like that. Texas Joe turned to him. The ghost that Texas Joe had just seen was gone. Texas Joe
swatted at the air. Now he felt crazy. "You have to believe me, Red. It was just here," said Texas Joe. Red
scowled at him in disbelief. "What was just here, Joe?" he asked. Red was angry with Texas Joe for
disturbing his sleep for no apparent reason.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
2. Date Match by Scott Waterlog
Diego looked over the edge. He thought about how far the ground was. The wind gusted. Whitney turned
to him and said, "It's beautiful up here, huh?" Diego could not think about beauty. All he could think about
was not falling off the edge. He said, "Yeah, Whitney, it really is beautiful. Hey, how long do you want to
stay up here?" Whitney laughed and said, "Let's stay up here the rest of our lives!" Diego grimaced. He
was afraid that this scenario was all too likely.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
3. Sugar Fever: The Candy Wars by Douglass Wimperford
We stared at the Bubblegum Fortress from the mouth of the Cotton Candy Woods. The gumdrop soldiers
were scurrying atop their sugar coated ramparts. I wouldn't be surprised if someone had tipped them off.
Chet Eagle approached me and said, "What now, Commander Candy?" I thought about it for a second.
"Well, they get better prepared with each passing second, so let's attack now." Chet Eagle bowed and said,
"As you wish, Commander Candy."
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
4. To Make French Toast: First, take out a skillet to cook and turn the stove on low. Second, you will
melt the butter in the pan and stir it with a spatula. Third, beat the eggs. Fourth, lay the bread, white or
wheat, on both sides in the eggs. Fifth, sit the bread on top of butter for 30 seconds and then turn over.
Now you have a slice of French toast, repeat.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
5. “Do you love candy?” I asked my friend Roxis. I always make friends with other people.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
6. Without a Net: Life of a Circus Performer by Brett Reyes
The trapeze artist stood high on the platform. The whole crowd was silent. The trapeze artist rubbed his
hands on his knees, grabbed the flying trapeze, and sprung into the air. Just as the trapeze had swung its
full length, the trapeze artist released his grip and did a triple flip. He narrowly caught a second trapeze
bar and swung from it by his legs. The crowd cheered. Another trapeze artist ascended the platform.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
7. Daniel Will Be OK by Betty Dogwood
Daniel was nervous about going to Patricia's birthday party. He was afraid that he wouldn't know anyone
but Patricia, and she would be so busy with her guests. "Mom, I don't want to go to the party." Daniel's
mother furrowed her brow and said, "Daniel, we already told her we'd be there. We bought her a present.
We have to go and give it to her." Daniel shook his head. He still didn't want to go. His mom put her hand
on his shoulder.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
8. Some dark night Shelly said, “I hate squirrels,” but really she loved them. Carol said, “They smell,”
but really, she loved them too. Both of them thought that squirrels were pretty cute.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
9. Tumbleweed by Scotty Prost
Butch dug his spurs into his horse and she kicked up dust. "Giddy up!" he said. I was riding right behind
him, but I was a much less capable rider. "Butch, could you wait up for me?" I asked. He didn't. I kicked
my horse and tried to get her to move faster. She whinnied and bucked me off her. As I landed with my
posterior in a mud puddle, Butch laughed. Then he kept riding. "Butch!" I shouted, "Wait up!" He didn't.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient
10. Downward Spiral by Jackie Kent
Long stalactites hung from the mouth of the cave. A young man and a girl were arguing. He said, "Come
on, Kate. It'll be cool. I heard there's treasure down there. I'll keep you safe." The young girl responded,
"Yeah, Doug, but you can't see in the dark, and that cave is dark. How are you going to keep me safe
when you can't see?" Doug sighed. "Come on, Kate. We'll use the light on my phone." Kate cocked her
head and looked at Doug with her hands on her hips.
a) first-person b) second-person
c) third-person objective d) third-person limited e) third-person omniscient

Part II – Definitions
Directions: Match the definitions to the terms. Shade in the appropriate bubble.
11. When the narrator tells “you” or “your” story a. First-Person
12. When the narrator tells the story of “he” or “she” and reveals two or more
characters’ thoughts or feelings
b. Second-Person
13. When the narrator tells the story of “he” or “she” and does not reveal any
characters’ thoughts
c. Third-Person Objective
14. When the story is narrated from the perspective of “I”
d. Third-Person Limited
15. When the narrator tells the story of “he” or “she” and reveals one
character’s thoughts and feelings e. Third-Person Omniscient