Young Writers discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Archives
>
What is your preferred perspective in writing? (First person or Third?)
date
newest »

I think it really depends on the characters, plot, style, and what you want out of the writing.
(There is already a topic called Point of View where we discuss the same thing, just so you know.)
(There is already a topic called Point of View where we discuss the same thing, just so you know.)
I almost always right in first person. I'm not sure why, I suppose it's just what comes naturally to me. Most of the time, it just feels like what's right for the story. When I write in first person, I tend to feel more connected with the character. Plus, I think first person allows more room for the author to develop a unique voice, since you have to capture the character in the way he/she thinks/speaks. However, the downfall of first person is that it can be limiting. That is, you usually have to stick to a single point of view. (Multiple first-person point of views are also possible, of course, but they can get confusing if there's more than two or three of them.)
There are a few circumstances under which I feel more comfortable writing in third person. For example, one of the stories I'm writing now has four main characters, and I knew writing four different first-person perspectives would probably get too hectic. Third person just seemed more natural and controlled.
So, it really depends on the story. I wouldn't say either is easier than the other, but I typically go with first person just because it's usually what feels right for my style and/or for the mood of the story.
There are a few circumstances under which I feel more comfortable writing in third person. For example, one of the stories I'm writing now has four main characters, and I knew writing four different first-person perspectives would probably get too hectic. Third person just seemed more natural and controlled.
So, it really depends on the story. I wouldn't say either is easier than the other, but I typically go with first person just because it's usually what feels right for my style and/or for the mood of the story.
I can comfortably write in either of them--with me... it doesn't really depend on the story, but on my mood when I write the story. If I'm in a third person mood at the beginning, it turns into third person. If I'm a first person mood at the beginning, it turns into first person. Also, I try to imagine various scenes throughout the novel, and whether or not I like them in first or third better.
Rebekka (ἈΝΆΓΚΗ) wrote: "Ooh, yes. I usually have a couple "big scenes" in mind and I think, "which POV would these scenes benefit from the most?" and structure the writing around that. :)"
Yeah! That's what I do a lot, as well.
Plus, some ideas just seem to sound better in either first or third person.
Yeah! That's what I do a lot, as well.
Plus, some ideas just seem to sound better in either first or third person.

I think it depends on the story and what works best, my story lines tend to be very character-oriented so 1st person seam to make the most sense. ..

Tayyaba♥♫ wrote: "Most of the time I write in first person, it lets you become the character."
See, one of the reasons I prefer to write in third person is due to the fact that I can't see myself as the character, if you know what I mean. I'm writing to tell the story of someone else; when I write in first person, I see it as getting into someone's head, but not "becoming" them, if that makes sense. I don't like associating my personality with my character's--experiences, sure, but I tend to try and make my characters completely different people.
See, one of the reasons I prefer to write in third person is due to the fact that I can't see myself as the character, if you know what I mean. I'm writing to tell the story of someone else; when I write in first person, I see it as getting into someone's head, but not "becoming" them, if that makes sense. I don't like associating my personality with my character's--experiences, sure, but I tend to try and make my characters completely different people.

See, one of the reasons I prefer to write in third person is due to the fact that I can't see myself ..."
Yeah I totally get it. With writing in first person you don't try to influence the character with your own personality but it's more like stepping into the characters' shoes, seeing how they would react and what they would do next. It's kind of hard to explain, sorry!




But, the benefit of first person is it's easier to become the character as you write. You're more likely to try to match your tone to the character's personalities and the descriptions of the events based off their opinions.
I write in first person and stay with that person the whole time. I don't like reading books in third person, or books that switch viewpoints/main characters, so why would I like writing like that?

Usually, when I get a story idea, I have some ideas for passages in the novel. These passages come into my head from a certain perspective, and I write in that perspective. Does that make sense?

Totally. I'm like that. :)
Maxy wrote: "Usually, when I get a story idea, I have some ideas for passages in the novel. These passages come into my head from a certain perspective, and I write in that perspective. Does that make sense?"
That makes a lot of sense.
That makes a lot of sense.


However, that doesn't mean I don't experiment with the third person point of view. I kind of want to be balanced at both.
It depends on the purpose of the piece. If I care more about what the character's reaction is to the setting and/or plot, then I will usually use first person POV. I will also use this POV if narrative voice is a key part to the interest/success of the piece.
However, I am more accustomed to writing in third person, because it feels more natural for my genre and audience. If I were to write in first person, I would find myself writing things that I find less-than-professional in order to reach my audience (middle-grade).
However, I am more accustomed to writing in third person, because it feels more natural for my genre and audience. If I were to write in first person, I would find myself writing things that I find less-than-professional in order to reach my audience (middle-grade).


I actually like third person. That way, all the characters get a say and we know what they're all feeling. For example:
1st person: 'I looked at Jake and he was being a complete idiot.'
3rd person: 'Jill looked at Jake. In her eyes, he was being a complete idiot. But it wasn't Jack's fault that he had accidentally drank picante sauce!'

But I really enjoy first though.


I should try first person again. But I like third person.
If not, its good for authors to be adept in both--(haha and even second person for fun)

Omniscent- The dinosaur was really excited to eat Jake. Cinderella was scared and thought, Oh no!
Limited- The dinosaur was really excited to eat Jake. But Cinderella looked scared.
I understand why many people like first person. It is (when used properly) easy to connect and relate with the character, and you can often explore a lot of deep feelings.
But to be honest, I prefer third person.
third person is easier for me to write but it depends on the story




agreed:D

This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Personally, I prefer to write in the third person while "tracking" only one character's experiences. I tried writing in first person once, but I couldn't get past he first page.
What do you think? Do you find one to be easier than the other?