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Description:
Should you write your book in first person or third person? What even are those POVs and what does it mean to write in one or the other? If POV confuses you or you're just not sure which one you should use in your novel, this episode is for you.
Listen
Writing in 1st vs. 3rd Person:
Which is Best for Your Story?
Introduction
You are listening to *The Novel Writing Podcast*, episode 144. I'm your host, Colleen Mitchell. Grab a cup, cozy up, and let's get to writing!
This or That: 1st Person vs. 3rd Person
Today’s episode is a "this or that" face-off: writing in 3rd person vs. writing in 1st person. There’s no winner here, just what works best for you. Let's dive into the differences, benefits, and challenges of both.
What’s POV, Anyway?
For those new to POV or who get mixed up between tense and POV—no worries! Point of View (POV) refers to how the story is told, using either first person (I, me, we) or third person (he, she, they). The reader is either seeing the story through the character’s eyes or following the character at a distance.
First Person POV
- Reader experiences the world through the character’s eyes.
- Reader knows only what the character knows and feels.
Example:
- I watch his face, searching for a sign that he believes me.
Third Person POV
- Reader follows the character from a distance.
- Can be limited (focuses on one character) or omniscient (the narrator knows everything).
Example:
- She watches his face, searching for a sign that he believes her.
Tense vs. POV: What’s the Difference?
Tense refers to when the action happens. It can be present tense (happening now) or past tense (already happened).
Examples:
- First person, present tense: I watch his face.
- Third person, past tense: She watched his face.
The Pros and Cons of First Person POV**
Pros:
- Immediate and intimate connection with the character.
- Strong sense of voice.
Cons:
- Limited to what the character knows.
- Harder for readers to connect if they don’t like the character.
The Pros and Cons of Third Person POV
Pros:
- Greater flexibility in showing different perspectives.
- Can describe the story world from multiple angles.
Cons:
- Slightly less intimacy with the character’s inner thoughts compared to first person.
Examples of Each POV in Popular Fiction
- First Person: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.
- Third Person: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
My Writing Preferences
I prefer third person limited and write my books this way. For instance, my first novel follows three POV characters, all in third person past tense. The reader sees the story from over each character’s shoulder, limited to their experience and perspective.
How to Choose Your POV
Choosing between 1st and 3rd person is a matter of personal preference and what suits your story. If you connect more with one, write in that. But don’t be afraid to experiment and see what feels right for your story.
Bonus: What About Second Person?
Second person is rare in fiction but speaks directly to the reader using “you” language. Example: The Stanley Parable video game. For novels, second person isn’t recommended, as it can alienate readers.
Conclusion
That’s it for today’s episode! If this has been helpful, I’d appreciate it if you left a rating or review on your platform of choice. Remember, the first draft is supposed to be garbage! Happy writing!
Show Notes
Dive into the first episode of the Novel Writing Podcast with your host Colleen and her sometimes-guest Halie Fewkes Damewood! Here, we give you the gist of who we are, what we do, and what you can expect from this podcast.
What to do next…
Halie & Colleen are both authors! Find their books below:
Secrets of the Tally, by Halie Fewkes Damewood
The Chronicles of Talahm, by Colleen Mitchell
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