What does the term 'point of view' refer to in narrative writing?

The term 'point of view' in narrative writing specifically refers to the perspective from which the story is told. It determines how the narrator presents the events and how much the reader knows about the thoughts and feelings of the characters. For example, first-person point of view provides a subjective experience, allowing readers to see events through the eyes of a character, whereas third-person point of view offers an objective lens, which can provide insight into multiple characters’ thoughts and actions. This perspective influences the reader's understanding and engagement with the narrative.

In contrast, the emotional tone of the story relates more to the mood and atmosphere rather than the viewpoint. The chronological order of events pertains to the sequence in which the story unfolds, which is not the same as the narrator's perspective. Finally, the setting and time of the story focus on where and when the events occur, not how they are presented to the audience. Hence, the correct answer encapsulates the essence of how stories are narrated.