head-hop

Definitions

In writing fiction, to switch suddenly from one character's perspective to another's, disrupting the flow of the story.

informal, intransitive

Examples

“Editors are very sensitive to POV slips; many consider⟳ it the mark⟳ of an amateur. So be careful to maintain⟳ your point⟳ of view⟳; don't head-hop from character to character.”

“Here we head-hop from Madison to Betsey, as signaled by the text abruptly naming Madison “that bitch.” Both the hop and the term feel⟳ harshly out of tune⟳ with the preceding action. As a reader, I have⟳ barely started getting to know⟳ Madison as a character and investing in her as the protagonist; should I now make⟳ a similar investment in Betsey? Only time will tell⟳: If we return⟳ to Betsey's POV, then yes, I should pay⟳ close⟳ attention to her.”

CEFR level