External focalization is a narrative perspective where the story is presented through an external observer who only reports what is observable, without access to the internal thoughts or feelings of characters. This technique creates a sense of objectivity and allows readers to infer motivations and emotions from actions and dialogue alone.

External Focalization

External focalization

Narrative perspective, or point of view, determines the angle and perception from which a story is told, influencing how readers engage with the narrative and understand the characters and events. It shapes the emotional tone, reliability, and depth of insight into characters' thoughts and motivations, ultimately affecting the reader's interpretation and connection to the story.

narrative perspective

external observer

Observable actions

internal thoughts

feelings of characters

sense of objectivity

Readers' inferences

motivations and emotions

actions and dialogue

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