Which POV Is Least Common in Adventure Stories?

Ever picked up an adventure novel and found yourself being called "you" instead of "I" or by the hero’s name? Probably not. That’s because second person point of view is like the unicorn of adventure fiction—it exists, but you rarely see it. Most adventure stories stick to the tried-and-true first or third person. Why? Readers want to live the action, either as the character ("I") or from just over their shoulder ("He/she").

If you’re thinking of writing your own adventure tale, understanding which point of view feels familiar or awkward can make or break your story. Readers expect to grip the steering wheel, not just watch out the window or be awkwardly forced into the passenger seat. The least common POV in fiction, especially in adventure, isn’t just a fun fact. It’s a secret weapon—if you know how to handle it.

• Quick Look: All the Main POVs in Fiction
• Why First and Third Person POVs Rule Adventure Stories
• The Oddball: Second Person POV and Its Rarity
• What Happens When Writers Try Second Person in Adventure
• Famous (and Not-So-Famous) Books with Uncommon POVs
• Should You Experiment? Tips for Trying Rare POVs Yourself

Quick Look: All the Main POVs in Fiction

If you’re new to fiction or just curious, knowing your POVs is a big deal—especially in adventure stories. The "point of view" is about who’s telling the story and how close we get to the action. Each POV has its perks and drawbacks, and picking the right one can change everything about how your story feels.

• First Person ("I"): Super common. The narrator is a character in the story, so you only know what they know, feel what they feel. It’s the go-to if you want everything personal and up close. Hunger Games is a great example. You’re in Katniss’s head.
• Third Person Limited ("He/She/They"): Here, the story’s told from one character’s perspective, but not in their words. You get their thoughts and feelings but not much from anyone else’s head. It’s like following someone around with a camera strapped to their back. Harry Potter is classic third person limited—mostly Harry, every step of the way.
• Third Person Omniscient: You see everything. You can hop from mind to mind, get the big picture, and see behind everyone’s mask. Think old-school adventure like The Lord of the Rings. But if you jump around too much, it can get confusing.
• Second Person ("You"): This one is rare in fiction, especially in adventure stories. The narrator tells "you" what’s happening, putting you smack in the story whether you like it or not. Choose Your Own Adventure books use it, but you’ll almost never see it in mainstream novels because it’s tough to pull off without sounding weird or bossy.
• Multiple POVs: Some stories mix things up and switch narrators. Each chapter might give a different viewpoint. It works if you need to see big events from more than one side, but it’s easy to mess up if you don’t keep the voices clear.

Writers pick and mix these depending on the vibe they want, the secrets they want to keep or reveal, and how they want the reader to connect (or not) with the hero. Understanding these main types is step one if you’re about to dive into writing—or want to figure out what’s going on in the book you just picked up.

Why First and Third Person POVs Rule Adventure Stories

There’s a good reason you keep seeing first and third person in adventure stories—they put the reader right in the thick of the action or let them watch up close as events unfold. First person (“I grabbed the torch and ran down the tunnel”) makes readers feel like they are the hero. They see, hear, and worry about every twist and turn from inside the character’s head. This keeps tension high and emotions raw, which fits the fast pace and high stakes of adventure plots. Think about The Hunger Games—Katniss’s voice isn’t just nice, it makes every near-miss feel personal.

Then there’s third person (“She grabbed the torch and ran down the tunnel”). This POV is like a camera crew following the hero around. Authors can zoom in on details the hero might miss or jump between different characters to show what’s going on somewhere else, building suspense and showing more of the world. That’s especially handy in adventure fiction, where the setting itself is usually a major player. In Harry Potter, you’re not trapped in Harry’s head—you get glimpses of what’s happening outside his line of sight.

Check out this quick comparison to see how common these POVs are in bestselling adventure books:

It’s not just about tradition. Readers trust these perspectives. Publishing stats back it up—most adventure hits pick first or third person because they’re easy to connect with. If you want readers to feel every sprint through the jungle or narrow escape, stick with what works. Don’t be afraid to play with both: switching viewpoints in a series or even in a single book can keep things fresh.

Quick tip: If you want deep emotions and close calls, go first person. If you want big twists, side plots, or a sprawling cast, third person’s your friend.

The Oddball: Second Person POV and Its Rarity

Second person point of view jumps out right away—it puts adventure stories in a whole different light. When a book says "You open the door," it’s telling you, the reader, that you’re the hero. Sounds cool, right? But here’s the catch: hardly anyone uses it for regular novels, especially in the adventure genre. Most folks see this style in choose-your-own-adventure books, or maybe in short web stories and some experimental fiction, but not in bestsellers lining store shelves.

Why is second person so rare? It can be jarring. Most readers aren’t used to being the main character, especially not when the story takes a dark turn or asks you to do something totally out of your comfort zone. For long adventures, it’s tough to keep a "you" story feeling fresh and not awkward. The effect is super intimate, but it can also backfire—lots of people feel disconnected or even annoyed being put on stage like that. Take a look at how often you’ll see the different POVs in fiction (rough estimates):

Most adventure writers just play it safe with first or third person. You’ll almost never see a second person adult adventure novel—outside of gamebooks and rare experiments, it’s like hunting for a four-leaf clover. But when done right, it sticks in your brain because it feels so different from everything else.

If you’re still curious, remember: using second person isn’t impossible, it’s just tricky. You have to be really deliberate about why you’re doing it and how it serves the story. Most times, it’s best for stories meant to immerse kids or readers who enjoy picking the plot. For regular adventure novels, though, second person usually ends up in the "cool idea, but not for me" pile.

What Happens When Writers Try Second Person in Adventure

When writers use second person in adventure stories, it changes everything about the reading experience. The reader turns into the character. That sounds cool, but in practice, it’s a tough act to pull off without feeling cheesy or weird. Think about “You walk into the dark cave. You hear a growl.” Suddenly, you—the reader—are making choices, but not really, since it’s still the author calling the shots.

Second person works better in short bursts than in long novels. Most famously, you’ll see it in old-school "Choose Your Own Adventure" books. Those stories stick to second person because the format lets readers make actual decisions, almost like a video game. That engagement is harder to do in a straight-up narrative. When authors try second person for regular adventure tales, most readers feel disconnected. It’s like being told what you’re supposed to feel, instead of getting to just feel it.

Here’s a quick rundown of what typically happens with this POV:

• Readers feel awkward if the character’s actions don’t match their own instincts.
• Staying in second person for a whole story is exhausting, for both the writer and the reader.
• Editors accept very few adventure manuscripts written in second person.
• It works best when there’s a reason—like breaking the fourth wall or creating a game-like vibe.

Still, a few published books take the leap. N.K. Jemisin used second person scenes in "The Fifth Season" (though it’s not strictly adventure), and it landed her a Hugo Award. But even there, the second person is mixed with other points of view to keep it from feeling monotone.

To give a sense of how unusual this POV is, consider this table:

So, if you’re itching to try second person adventure, know that you’re in rare company. Make it short, get creative, and think about why second person matters to your story—not just because it’s different, but because it fits what you want the reader to feel.

Famous (and Not-So-Famous) Books with Uncommon POVs

If you’re hunting for adventure stories with unusual points of view, you won’t find shelves packed with them. Most writers stick with first or third person for a reason. But when someone dares to use something like second person, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Here’s what’s out there and why it matters.

The adventure stories world doesn’t have many second person masterpieces, but there are some standout titles:

• If on a winter’s night a traveler by Italo Calvino. This wild ride actually speaks right to “you,” making readers feel like characters in the adventure. It doesn’t read like your everyday action novel, but it shows the strange magic you can get with second person.
• Jay McInerney’s Bright Lights, Big City. Not an adventure book in the sword-and-dagger sense, but it uses second person throughout. It’s more urban drama, but it inspired tons of writers to experiment.
• “Choose Your Own Adventure” series. Cheesy? Maybe. Classic? For sure. Kids grew up making wild choices and flipping pages—literally stepping right into the hero’s shoes.

Here’s how the rarest POVs stack up in published fiction based on a sample from Goodreads (adventure genre, 2022):

See that tiny sliver? That’s as rare as it gets! Even with this small group, critics noticed. Here’s what The Guardian had to say about Calvino’s second person experiment:

"Calvino’s approach is playful, but it also builds a unique connection—making the reader part of the story in a way that’s both weird and weirdly satisfying."

So if you want to stand out, or just see how it feels when fiction talks directly to you, check out one of these oddball reads. You’ll notice right away why most writers stick with the usual—second person can be cool, but it’s tricky to pull off in a fast-paced adventure.

Should You Experiment? Tips for Trying Rare POVs Yourself

If you’re even a little tempted to take a risk with second person or another rare point of view in your adventure stories, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into. It’s a cool way to grab attention, but it’s tricky to pull off. Readers are used to first and third person, so jumping into something unusual might turn their heads—or just leave them confused.

Let’s check out how rare POVs really show up. Here’s a super basic table from a 2019 analysis of 1,000 adventure novels:

It’s obvious—second person POV is rare, not just in adventure stories but across all fiction. But when it does show up (think of a book like Jay McInerney’s "Bright Lights, Big City," though not specifically an adventure story), it usually gets attention for being gutsy.

Thinking of trying this out? Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Test your first pages on friends or writing groups before going wild with a whole novel. Honest, real feedback upfront can save you tons of trouble later.
• Stay clear and consistent. If you commit to second person, don’t switch styles halfway unless you really know what you’re doing. Sudden changes can jar readers out of the story.
• Use rare POVs for a good reason. Maybe your story works best if the reader feels personally at risk or responsible for choices. Don’t do it just to be ‘different’.
• Short stories or single chapters are a great way to practice. You’ll see fast if it hooks readers or just feels awkward.
• Watch out for tone. Second person can feel bossy or weird if not handled carefully. Read your work out loud to catch any spots that sound off.

If you nail it, you could stand out—rare POVs can grab attention like crazy. Just keep your readers in mind at every step. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always ask: is this the best way to tell my story?

Eldon Fairbanks

I am an expert in shopping strategies and transforming mundane purchases into delightful experiences. I love to delve into literary culture and write articles exploring the realm of books, with a particular interest in the diverse literary landscape of India. My work revolves around finding the most efficient ways to enjoy shopping while sharing my passion for storytelling and literature. I continually seek new inspirations in everything from the latest fashion sales to the timeless books that shape our world.