Narrator and point of view

“Ice Break” by Astrid Blodgett is a first-person narration, told by Dawn, one of the characters. Because the narrator is a teenager, the narrative also comes across as more heartfelt and dramatic. It illustrates the perspective of children on family relationships and tragic events.

As a narrator, Dawn already knows what has happened because the short story is told in retrospect (after the events have happened). This is why she is able to go back and forth to events before and during the accident.

As a character-narrator, Dawn has limited knowledge of the other characters. She can only present what she experiences, what she knows from other characters, or make assumptions (such as when she suspects her parents are planning to divorce): “Mr and Mrs Pichowsky got a divorce last year and moved. We never saw the kids anymore. (...) Marla must me...