Point of View

Scott Meyer tells his novel “Off to Be the Wizard” in the third-person limited-omniscient perspective. The third-person aspect of the narrative allows Martin’s story not only to be told, but for important contextual information to be provided about Martin and unfolding events as the story progresses. For example, when the novel begins, Martin’s sole focus is on hacking, while the narrator explains that Martin loves science, and dislikes being referred to as a hacker – important contextual information that will prove relevant later in the novel. The limited-omniscient aspect of the narration, however, adds a level of suspense and drama to the novel as the reader only learns about things as the characters learn about them. For example, the pursuit of the murderer of the people at Rickard’s Bend is something the reader only comes to the truth of as the characters do...