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Thinking about storytelling? It’s easy to get stuck deciding whether to tell your story from your own perspective or through someone else's eyes. If you’re unsure which point of view works best, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how each approach can change your writing, helping you connect more deeply with your audience. Plus, I’ll share simple tips to choose what’s right for your story.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- First person uses "I" and "we" for a personal, relatable story and works best for character-driven or confessional stories. It creates intimacy but limits scope.
- Third person uses "he," "she," or "they," offering a broader view. It’s flexible and good for storytelling with multiple characters or complex worlds.
- Limited third focuses closely on one character’s thoughts, while omniscient third can reveal multiple characters’ feelings and background details.
- Choose first person for personal connection and strong voice; select third person for wider scene description and multiple perspectives.
- Consider your target audience and the story’s needs when picking a point of view. Experiment with different perspectives to see what fits best.
1. What Are First Person and Third Person Points of View?
First person point of view uses pronouns like "I" and "we," telling the story from the narrator’s personal perspective. It's like having a chat directly with the reader, making the narration feel intimate and personal. For example, "I walked into the room and saw something strange."
Third person point of view, on the other hand, employs pronouns like "he," "she," or "they," positioning the story outside of any single character. It’s like watching a play unfold from the audience’s seat, giving a broader scope. For example, "She walked into the room and noticed something strange."
The key difference is perspective: first person is subjective and personal, while third person tends to be more objective or omniscient. Creating a clear understanding of these perspectives helps writers choose the most effective way to tell their story, aiming for stronger emotional connection or wider scene description.
2. Why Use First Person in Your Writing?
Using first person can make your story feel more personal and relatable, creating a deeper emotional bond between the reader and the narrator. It allows you to share your thoughts, feelings, and reactions directly, making the narration authentic. For example, YA and middle grade books frequently use first person because it draws young readers closer to the protagonist’s inner world.
First person is also a great tool for offering unique voice and personality; it lets writers inject humor, sarcasm, or vulnerability. Plus, it simplifies the storytelling process, since you're only describing what "I" see, hear, and experience. This perspective is especially useful when giving a detailed account of a character's inner struggles or personal journey.
To make the most of first person, consider the narrator’s voice carefully. Is it humorous, serious, or quirky? Ensuring consistency helps readers connect more fully and keeps the narrative authentic. For example, including inner monologues or direct thoughts enhances the personal tone.
Knowing when to use first person can also impact your story’s pace and intimacy. It works well in character-driven stories and confessional-style writing, like memoirs or personal essays. Remember, though, it can limit the scope — since you're only seeing the world through one character’s eyes, some scenes might feel narrower. So, choose this perspective if you want to build that close emotional bond and relieve the story from an outside lens.
3. Why Use Third Person in Your Storytelling?
Third person offers a more flexible lens for storytelling, giving writers the ability to describe multiple characters and scenes effortlessly. It’s great for creating a broader view, which helps readers understand different perspectives within a story. For example, in a novel with multiple plotlines, third person makes it easier to switch among characters without confusion or disrupting the flow.
This perspective also lends itself to a more objective or omniscient tone, allowing writers to include insights into what various characters are thinking and feeling—sometimes even simultaneously. It’s especially handy for building tension and revealing plot details gradually. For instance, an omniscient third person narrator can share secrets from characters that they themselves aren’t aware of, deepening the narrative depth.
In terms of storytelling scope, third person spans wider scenes and enables detailed descriptions of settings and actions. It’s the go-to choice for adult fiction, which tends to favor a more detached or panoramic storytelling style. According to recent trends observed in bestseller lists, third person remains predominant in adult fiction, given its ability to develop complex worlds.
When using third person, writers can choose among different styles, such as limited (focusing on one character’s internal thoughts) or omniscient (knowing everything about all characters). This versatility allows tailoring the narrative to fit the story's needs perfectly. For example, limited third person maintains a close connection to one character, while omniscient provides a “god’s eye view” that can move smoothly across different scenes and characters.
Next, we’ll explore how these perspectives influence emotional connection and scene description, helping you decide which point of view best suits your storytelling goals.
5. Common Types of Third Person: Limited, Omniscient, and Hybrids
There are several popular styles of third person narration, each serving different storytelling needs.
Limited third person sticks close to one character, sharing their thoughts and feelings while keeping the rest of the world in the background.
This style helps create a strong connection with one character, making readers see the story through their eyes.
Omniscient third person, on the other hand, offers a wider perspective, knowing everything about all characters and thoughts simultaneously.
This style allows the writer to share insights about multiple characters or even comment on the story itself, adding a layer of depth.
Hybrids combine elements of both, switching between limited and omniscient viewpoints within a story, which can help keep readers engaged and provide a varied narrative experience.
Choosing the right type depends on what your story needs—whether it’s deep character insight or a broad overview of multiple plotlines.
For example, many thrillers or mysteries use limited third person to keep suspense tight, while epic fantasies often rely on omniscient narration to describe vast worlds.
6. Tips for Choosing Between First Person and Third Person
Picking the right point of view is key to shaping your story’s tone and connection with readers.
Start by asking yourself what kind of experience you want to create: do you want to get personal and bring readers into a character’s head (first person)?
Or do you prefer a wider perspective that can explore multiple characters and settings (third person)?
If your story revolves around one main character’s thoughts and emotions, first person can make it feel more intimate and immediate.
But if you plan to explore a complex world or multiple viewpoints, third person gives you the flexibility to do so smoothly.
Think about your target audience as well; YA and middle grade readers often respond well to first person, while adult fiction usually leans toward third person.
Also, consider your writing style. First person calls for a distinctive voice that should stay consistent, while third person allows for a more neutral tone.
Finally, experiment — try writing a scene in both perspectives and see which feels more natural and effective.
Looking at successful books in your genre can also help; for instance, many bestsellers in adult fiction prefer third person, while YA hits often use first person.
FAQs
First person uses "I" or "we," sharing the story directly from a character's perspective. Third person uses "he," "she," or "they," observing characters from outside. Both affect tone and reader engagement differently.
Using first person creates an intimate connection with the reader, providing insight into the narrator's thoughts and feelings, and making the story feel more personal and immediate.
Third person allows flexibility to show multiple characters' viewpoints, provide broader scene details, and maintain objectivity, which can enrich storytelling and create a more panoramic perspective.
First person often creates a stronger emotional link through personal insights, while third person can provide detailed scene descriptions and multiple perspectives, shaping how readers connect with characters and settings.
