First person versus third person narrative

[Diane]

I've noticed many of the cozies I'm reading are from a first-person narrative perspective from the point of view of the protagonist. My preference is that the story is told from a third-person perspective so that I get to know more than the protagonist.

What are your thoughts on first-person versus third-person narrative? What is your preference?

[Aymee]

While I don't mind a first-person POV, I do prefer third. That said, if the book is going to be from a first person POV then that narrator's voice needs to be both strong and likable/relatable. If I don't like the narrator, it's much harder to enjoy the book.

[Betty]

It doesn't matter to me. I just want a good book and narrative to flow smoothly. What I find difficult to handle Is a book written from several POV as if it jumps around different time periods.

[Mary X]

I prefer third person myself and unfortunately most cozies and urban fantasy are first person. I like getting into the head of the other characters.

[Diane]

Aymee wrote: "While I don't mind a first-person POV, I do prefer third. That said, if the book is going to be from a first person POV then that narrator's voice needs to be both strong and likable/relatable. If ..."

That's a great point, Aymee. I agree with you about the likeability factor. A narrator with a humorous or insightful voice is much preferred when using first person.

[Diane]

Betty wrote: "It doesn't matter to me. I just want a good book and narrative to flow smoothly. What I find difficult to handle Is a book written from several POV as if it jumps around different time periods."

That makes sense, Betty. I don't mind hearing the POV of other characters, but head hopping makes for a choppy read.

[Diane]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "I prefer third person myself and unfortunately most cozies and urban fantasy are first person. I like getting into the head of the other characters."

Getting into their heads definitely adds to the storyline and allows insights not available when in first person.

[Sally]

I don't care either way; whatever makes the story works. But I dislike first person in which the narrator gives a big info dump: "I'm Jane Doe and live in Anytown and just broke up with my boyfriend. My mom lives with me," and so on. First person is good if the narrator has an unusual or interesting voice. I started writing my first series in third person and it fell flat. Switched to first person and the character sizzled. My second series is third person and sounds great that way.

[Diane]

Sally wrote: "I don't care either way; whatever makes the story works. But I dislike first person in which the narrator gives a big info dump: "I'm Jane Doe and live in Anytown and just broke up with my boyfrien..."

Hi Sally, you make an important distinction and good point about info dumps. Best wishes for success with your series!

[Ruth]

I agree with Sally. I prefer first person, both when I read and when I write and big info dumps are extremely jarring!

[Diane]

Ruth wrote: "I agree with Sally. I prefer first person, both when I read and when I write and big info dumps are extremely jarring!"

Thanks for your thoughts, Ruth! Very helpful.

[Helen]

I don't have a preference but a particularly good 1st person POV is found in the Country Club Murders series by Julie Mulhern. Her direct manner and dry often self-deprecating deadpan hits perfect pitch in 1st person.

[C.]

Helen wrote: "I don't have a preference but a particularly good 1st person POV is found in the Country Club Murders series by Julie Mulhern. Her direct manner and dry often self-deprecating deadpan hits perfect ..."

Haha, so true, and those types are such fun, but I have read so many from any POV that are 5-star reads...… an excellent story is an excellent story, no matter the POV!

[Diane]

Helen wrote: "I don't have a preference but a particularly good 1st person POV is found in the Country Club Murders series by Julie Mulhern. Her direct manner and dry often self-deprecating deadpan hits perfect ..."

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this topic. It sounds like the tone is what attracts you to the narrator...or not.

[Diane]

Diane wrote: "Helen wrote: "I don't have a preference but a particularly good 1st person POV is found in the Country Club Murders series by Julie Mulhern. Her direct manner and dry often self-deprecating deadpan..."

Thanks for weighing in! The story is most important. I find the more immature narrators are the ones that can ruin a good story. It's like their perspective pulls me out of the story and into questioning why they're not learning anything along the way.

[Helen]

I can understand where you're coming from. I've gotten annoyed and put books down because of it. I enjoy a variety of characters/narrators for various reasons...it depends on what I'm in the mood for at any given moment. Sometimes I find quirky characters endearing and funny. I can read the same and feel irritated another time.

[Diane]

Helen wrote: "I can understand where you're coming from. I've gotten annoyed and put books down because of it. I enjoy a variety of characters/narrators for various reasons...it depends on what I'm in the mood f..."

Exactly, Helen!