Choosing the Right Point of View for Your Novel: First Person vs. Third Person

When it comes to novel writing, the choice between first-person and third-person point of view (POV) significantly impacts the narrative style and reader experience. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, making the decision a crucial step in the writing process. This article will explore the nuances of first and third-person perspectives, providing insights to help you make an informed choice for your novel.

First-Person vs. Third-Person: A Closer Look

The primary distinction between first and third-person perspectives lies in the narrative distance between the reader and the characters.

First-Person Perspective

Direct and intimate, allowing readers to experience events through the eyes and thoughts of the narrator. Lasers the focus on a single character, making it easier to convey their thoughts and emotions. Can limit the scope of information provided, confining knowledge to what the narrator knows. May disrupt immersion, as readers are reminded that they are reading a story.

Third-Person Perspective

Offers more flexibility, allowing for multiple perspectives and a broader narrative scope. Can create a greater sense of distance, accommodating multiple viewpoints without alienating the reader. Encourages a more distant, objective reporting style, which can be useful for complex narratives. Facilitates the portrayal of characters through external descriptions, enhancing the narrative depth.

Techniques and Examples

Let's illustrate these differences with an example:

First-Person Perspecitve

I always wake with the sun. Not because I'm disciplined or because I like the morning, but because my window faces east and there are no curtains to block the rising sun. No trees, hills, or mountains—just endless plains. And so, all at once, the sunlight pierces through my window stabbing the sleep away with bright, heated hands. Normally, I'd curse, but today is different. Today, I burst out of my bed with purpose, not annoyance. I grab a butcher knife from the kitchen, tuck it into my belt, and go out the back door.

Third-Person Perspective

She always wakes with the sun, not because she's disciplined—or because she likes the morning. Her window faces east, and she lacks the simple agency to place curtains over it or perhaps move her wardrobe just a few feet to the left. Instead, she blames the landscape and nature for her trivial travails. If only the trees blocked the rising sun, or hills, or perhaps mountains. She prefers to live in a region surrounded by flat plains, the land as unambitious as her, just lying languidly. And so, all at once, the sun pierces through her window, stabbing the sleep away with bright, heated hands. She leaps out of bed. Normally, she curses, but today is different. Today, she bursts out of her bed with purpose, not annoyance. She grabs a butcher knife from the kitchen, tucks it into her loose belt, and slinks out the back door.

As you can see, the first-person approach is more personal and intimate, while the third-person perspective offers a broader narrative scope, making it more suitable for stories involving multiple characters.

When to Choose Each Approach

Deciding between first and third-person perspectives ultimately depends on the type of story you are telling and the narrative style you want to achieve. Here are some considerations:

Multiple Character Perspectives

If you are writing a story with multiple characters of equal importance, such as George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones or Min Jin Lee's If You Leave Me, choosing third-person perspective can help maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Unique Narrator Voices

Third-person narrative allows for a unique voice from the narrator, as seen in the modified example above. This can add depth and character to the story without breaking the immersion. For instance:

That girl always wakes with the sun. It isn't because she's disciplined—certainly not—or because she happens to like the morning. No, her window faces east, and she lacks the simple agency to place curtains over it or perhaps move her wardrobe just a few feet to the left. Instead, she prefers to blame the landscape and nature for her trivial travails. If only the trees blocked the rising sun or hills or perhaps mountains. Alas, she lives in a region surrounded by flat plains, the land as unambitious as her, just lying languidly. Each morning, all at once, the sun pierces through the girl's window, stabbing the sleep away with bright, heated hands. She leaps out of bed. Normally, she curses at this moment, but today is different. Today, she bursts out of her bed with purpose, not annoyance. She grabs a butcher knife from the kitchen, tucks it into her loose belt, and slinks out the back door.

Single Major Character

If you are focusing on a single major character and want a close, intimate connection with the reader, first-person perspective is the way to go. However, it's important to pay attention to genre conventions. For example, fantasy stories often use third-person perspectives, while coming-of-age stories are often written in first-person.

To get a better understanding, study the perspectives used in your favorite books within your genre. This will give you insights into what works and what you might prefer.

Conclusion

Choosing the right point of view is a significant decision that can greatly impact the narrative style of your novel. While both first and third-person perspectives have their strengths and weaknesses, the key is to align the choice with the story you are telling and the tone you want to achieve. By considering the narrative distance, character perspectives, and unique voices, you can make an informed decision that enhances your storytelling and reader experience.