Point of View

Carrie Anne Noble tells her novel “The Mermaid’s Sister” in the first-person limited-omniscient narrative from the point of view of main character and principal protagonist, Clara. This is done for several reasons. First, the very title of the novel, “The Mermaid’s Sister,” indicates the story being told is very much the story of Maren’s sister, as well as Maren herself. It is only natural that Clara should tell her own story with the title referencing her directly. Secondly, the events of the novel involve both the familiar (history) and the unknown (fantasy). The first-person narrative mode allows the reader to directly experience the familiar and the unfamiliar as Clara herself experiences them. Third, the first-person narrative mode allows the reader to know the innermost thoughts and feelings of Clara. This is important because Clara is a reserved and conservative girl, who keeps...