Focalization (zero, internal, external)
Narrative focalization concerns whose perspective structures narrative perception and knowledge. Zero focalization offers omniscient narration; internal focalization aligns with a character's perspective; external focalization observes without internal access.
Real World
Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl uses internal focalization alternating between Nick and Amy, so readers only know what each character knows — making Amy's deception possible because we never access her true thoughts until she reveals them herself.
Exam Focus
When analysing focalization, always state whose perspective is used and what knowledge is withheld from the reader as a result.
How well did you know this?