Who Really Owns the Scene?

Choosing the Right POV for Maximum Impact

When you’re writing a scene with multiple characters, especially in dual POV fiction, one of the most important decisions is: Whose head are we in—and why?

Choosing the right POV isn’t just about who’s present. It’s about who’s emotionally shifting, who’s holding the tension, and who’s driving the stakes.

Ask Yourself:

• Who has the most to lose or gain in this moment?
• Who’s undergoing a change—emotionally, mentally, or physically?
• Who’s holding the secret, the power, or the vulnerability?

Scene Ownership Checklist:

• Emotional stakes are clearest from this character’s lens
• Their internal reaction adds depth or contrast to the external action
• The reader will feel more connected if they experience the scene through this POV

If you find yourself switching POV mid-scene and it feels clunky, pause and ask: Is this really their moment? Sometimes the answer is no—and that’s okay. Let the character who owns the emotional arc take the lead.

Scene ownership isn’t about fairness—it’s about resonance.