What does "point of view" refer to in literature?

"Point of view" in literature refers to the perspective from which a story is told. This means it encompasses the narrator's position in relation to the story and the characters, influencing how the reader perceives the events and emotions within the narrative. Different points of view, such as first-person or third-person, can greatly alter the readers' understanding and engagement with the characters and plot. Recognizing the point of view helps readers analyze how the story is crafted and can illuminate the motivations behind characters’ actions and the unfolding of events.