What does "point of view" refer to in literary terms?

"Point of view" in literary terms specifically refers to the narrative perspective from which the story is told. This encompasses who is telling the story and the angle from which the events are described, which profoundly influences how readers understand and interpret the narrative. For instance, a first-person point of view allows readers to see the story through the eyes of a character, providing intimate access to their thoughts and feelings. In contrast, a third-person omniscient narrator knows everything about all characters, allowing for a broader understanding of the plot and themes.

Understanding point of view is crucial because it affects not only the narrative style but also the reader's engagement with the characters and events. This concept underpins many literary analyses and discussions, as the choice of viewpoint can dramatically alter the reader's experience and emotional connection to the story.

The other options, while related to storytelling, refer to different aspects of a narrative. The emotional atmosphere pertains to the mood created through setting and tone, while the time period situates the narrative historically, and character development focuses on how characters change throughout the story. These elements are important, but they do not define "point of view."