In second person point of view, the narrator addresses a fictional character as "you." This character isn't the reader, nor is it meant to address the reader. The "you" is a fictive character and should be developed as one. Most creative writing instructors will often dissuade writers from using second person POV. It's not commonly used for a number of different reasons. If the story warrants it, then it's important to know use it effectively.
Instructions
1. Determine whether your story needs a second person point of view. Stories written from the second person POV are rare, and for good reason. Some readers don't like or appreciate stories that make them feel as though the narrator is addressing them specifically, especially if the story involves events, actions, or attitudes the reader might have never experienced before or can never relate to. Sometimes it makes it difficult for them to delve into the narrative of the story. Yet some stories, such as ones that try to universalize a particular experience or way of life, almost demand a second person POV. Establish first what type of story you want to tell and then determine whether second person POV works best for your narrative aims.
2. Don't stray from the second person POV. If you've decided to use second person POV, commit to it. Don't suddenly, in the middle of your story, switch POV from "you" to "he" or "I" without just reason. Of course, when it comes to writing, there are no fast and heavy rules that can't be broken. There are ways in which switching POVs can be done for literary effect. For instance, you can begin a story like this: "Imagine you're all alone on a deserted highway, your car has stalled, your cell phone's batteries are being recharged, and there isn't a pay phone within miles. If you can imagine that, then you can imagine how rotten my weekend has been." Here, using second person POV draws the reader in as a hook to keep him reading.
3. Establish who the fictional "you" is in your story. This character isn't the reader. Rather it is like any character in any story you'll write. Who is she? What does she want? How does she go about getting it? Give your character a name, whether you use it in your story or not. This will give you a better sense of who your character is and maintaining your character's development in the story.
4. Pay particular attention as well to your narrator. Your narrator isn't the character in the story. Second person POV is somewhat like third person limited omniscient POV in that you are limited only to what your character is thinking without using First Person POV. The narrator is limited only to what the character, "you," thinks and feels.
5. Decide how much or how little authorial distance you can create in your story. For instance, your narrator might comment on things about the character that the character might not necessarily think about herself. A good example: "Though you don't admit it, even to yourself, you are thrilled when you hear his voice on the phone." Here, the narrator reveals something about the character that the character would not necessarily reveal about herself.
