What is the term for the perspective from which a story is told?

The perspective from which a story is told is referred to as "Point of View." This term encompasses the position or vantage point from which the narrative is conveyed to the reader, influencing how the story is perceived and understood.

Understanding point of view is crucial because it shapes the reader's connection to the characters and events within the narrative. For instance, a first-person point of view allows readers to experience the thoughts and feelings of a character directly, potentially creating a more intimate engagement. On the other hand, a third-person omniscient point of view can provide a broader, more objective perspective by revealing thoughts and emotions of multiple characters, thus deepening the narrative's complexity.

Other options such as theme, characterization, and tone, while important elements of a narrative, do not define the perspective from which the story is told. Theme refers to the underlying message or main idea of the work, characterization involves how characters are developed and portrayed, and tone denotes the author's attitude toward the subject matter or audience. Each of these elements contributes to the story but serves different functions than that of point of view.