head-hop

English

Etymology

From head +‎ hop.

Verb

head-hop (third-person singular simple present head-hops, present participle head-hopping, simple past and past participle head-hopped)

1. (intransitive, informal) In writing fiction, to switch suddenly from one character's perspective to another's, disrupting the flow of the story.
   • 2014, Paula Munier, Plot Perfect: How to Build Unforgettable Stories Scene by Scene:

     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.

   • 2016, Cheryl Klein, The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults:

     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.

Anagrams

• hophead