Benefits and Drawbacks of Writing a Crime Novel in First Person vs. Third Person

Introduction

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Writing a crime novel is an exciting venture, fraught with opportunities to engage the reader in the depths of suspense and intrigue. One of the most important decisions an author must make is choosing the narrative point of view. This article delves into the benefits and drawbacks of using first person or third person perspectives when crafting a crime novel, highlighting the effectiveness of both methods through the lens of a renowned author, John Sandford.

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First Person Perspective: Engaging and Intimate

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The first person point of view offers a direct and visceral connection to the story and the main character. When a crime novelist adopts this perspective, they can delve deep into the psyche of their protagonist, allowing readers to understand their thoughts, fears, and motivations intensely. This immersive narrative style can create a more personal and intimate bond between the reader and the character, making the story more compelling.

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For example, John Sandford, an accomplished author known for his crime novels, uses the first person perspective to great effect in his series. By having the protagonist narrate the story, Sandford crafts a narrative that is not only intimate but also deeply flawed, making readers root for the protagonist even as they commit despicable acts. This perspective allows for a nuanced exploration of the character's moral dilemma, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

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Third Person Perspective: Unfettered Access and Flexibility

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On the other hand, the third person perspective provides the author with a wider field of view. Unlike the first person, which is limited to the thoughts and experiences of a single character, the third person allows the author to present multiple viewpoints and scenes that the protagonist might not witness. This flexibility can be invaluable when writing a crime novel, as it enables the author to introduce plot twists, reveal important information, and develop secondary characters.

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John Sandford's adept use of the third person perspective in his crime novels demonstrates its power. For instance, in some of his novels, Sandford switches between the third person and first person perspectives, allowing him to build suspense and surprise the reader. This technique not only breaks the monotony of a single perspective but also adds depth to the narrative, making it more dynamic and engaging.

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Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Point of View

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First Person Perspective

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Benefits:

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Direct engagement with the reader: The reader feels closer to the character, making the story more relatable.

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Intimate perspective: Provides a deep understanding of the protagonist's thoughts, emotions, and motivations.

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Narrative control: The author retains complete control over the character's story, ensuring a cohesive and consistent narrative.

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Drawbacks:

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Limited scope: The story is confined to the protagonist's experiences, limiting the narrative scope.

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Character bias: The protagonist's opinions and beliefs may skew the narrative, potentially limiting objectivity.

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Distancing from other characters: Other characters may come across as two-dimensional or merely serving the protagonist's narrative.

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Third Person Perspective

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Benefits:

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Broader narrative scope: Allows for the exploration of multiple viewpoints and scenes.

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Objective perspective: Reduces character bias, providing a more balanced and objective narrative.

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Diverse characters: A wider range of characters can be developed, leading to a richer and more complex narrative.

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Drawbacks:

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Loss of intimacy: The reader may feel less connected to the protagonist, potentially reducing the emotional impact of the story.

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Objective distance: The need for objectivity might stifle the emotional intensity of the narrative.

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More challenging narrative construction: Managing multiple viewpoints can be complex and may require more skillful storytelling.

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Conclusion

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Both the first person and third person perspectives have unique strengths and challenges when writing a crime novel. The choice ultimately depends on the author's vision, the story's complexity, and their desired impact on the reader. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each perspective, crime novelists can make informed decisions, ensuring their narrative is both compelling and effective.

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John Sandford's masterful use of both perspectives serves as a testament to the power of each method. Whether aiming for an intimate and immersive first person narrative or a broad and flexible third person perspective, the key is to use the right tool for the job, crafting a story that resonates with readers and delivers the excitement and intrigue of a crime novel.