I'm interested to know what person you prefer stories written in, 1st or 3rd? And which do you prefer to write in?
I used mostly 3rd because it is way easier,
there are few that I have written in first person though
Truth.
Oh! Oh! I was going to ask this question to, you saved me the trouble :) I'm dying to know what people think.
Well I prefer to read and write in 1st, I havn't written anything in 3rd yet (I think it will be hard for me). But with 3rd it has more advantages - you get a better picture of whats happening with other people and you can write a story mainly about one charactor, then switch to the next book about different charactor easyly. I don't like 3rd when its very jumpy and going from person to person (in the same book/fic).
I will add a question to this thread... When it is written in 1st person, does it bother you that people change the POV?
I've written a piece in 1st person, where there's two different narrators. Writing in 1st person is quite difficult which is why I generlly prefer 3rd person. However, if a story is well-written it doesn't matter whether it's in 3rd or 1st person.
I used to write in 1st, but for some reason I find it easier to write in 3rd now. I had a break from writing for a while, and when I started again I just couldn't get into 1st person writing.
I usually write in 3rd, because most books I read are also written like that (I'm foreign, so all my knowledge of English is from books and sheet)
I tried writing in 1st but it seems kinda odd when I read it... D:
I usually write in third person, but mainly because I hate changing from one persons viewpoint to another just to explain their thoughts if the need arises. I like the 'omniscient narrator' thing xD
But then again, if the story I write purely about one main character, then I use first person.
I was musing on 1st vs 3rd today (not sure why), and it occurred to me that many writers seem to think that 1st is just 3rd from a different POV.
The fact is, the two require almost entirely different skills. While the basics (plot, pacing, and technicalities, for example) must be strong in both, they then branch off into two rather different directions.
1st person requires, in a nutshell, an understanding and awareness of people. Not only must your main character have believable trains of thought...
... and a constant voice; your writing must also show an understanding of people in general. 1st person requires shrewdness, a sharp sense of irony, and the ability to talk directly to the reader without appearing to do so. 1st person, when done correctly, can be read on many levels. It can point out strange and unfair things in our society without lecturing; a throwaway sentence speaks volumes. It's also good for attaching your reader to a character quickly, and, of course, for humour.
That's not to...
... say that 1st does not have its drawbacks. It is difficult, for example, to incorporate elaborate imagery without your writing coming across as florid and unnatural. Symbolism is more difficult, too. Another limitation is the obvious one- restricted knowledge. You can only reveal what your character knows. This can be great or disastrous for a writer, depending on how well his/her tale is planned and designed. In general, 1st person suits tales involving the micro, while 3rd suits the macro...
... better.
OR YOU CAN JUST CHEAT AND SWAP BETWEEN NARRATORS.
Ahem. Another thing which can be tricky with 1st person is avoiding clichéd cheesiness (especially in romances). That, and 'totly-randum-narraytor-on-speed-wahoo-he-crrrazy!' disease. And the word 'suddenly'. And exclamation marks. And unoriginal-but-the-teenage-writer-thinks-it's-sooo-insightful sarcasm. It can be a fine line to walk; you must pinpoint universally acknowledged truths without labouring them. Less is always more with 1st.
...
...
If you can actually pull first person off, though, you will have a piece that hooks your reader in with the first sentence (compare 'I died when I was two' to 'Lucy died when she was two', and you'll see what I mean) and doesn't let go. You will have a piece that makes your readers fall in love with your main character by the end of page one. You will have a piece that makes you laugh out loud...
... and cringe a month later. Because nothing is as horrible as your own godawful 1st person. Ever.
Yeah, can someone do me the td;lr version?
No, I jest. Very insightful. =) And very true, actually...
@16-Retarded-PSP-character-limit.
@16
Basically - most people won't click the thing that says "Read whole post", so ellipsis here makes it possible that it's all readable through bypassing the limit. Even if that's not your intention - it's a fairly clever method. It might be a case of Tl;Dr (I read it and agreed) but still - much easier to make sure people read your posts if the whole thing is visible.
Indeed, Marth. Normally, when I irritate people, it's wholly intentional, but that's not the reason I multi-post. They're just as annoying to write as they are to read- but rather less annoying than a txtspk alternative, I feel.
>>20 forgive me for missing one single post, the emphasis on the "you" was entirely unnecessary, I know what the word "you" means, I'm not stupid.
And your second point is a matter of opinion.
It was 3am - I have more important things on my mind than whether my punctuation is perfect at a time like that.
3am happens every day. You should be used to it by now.
... When I'm tired, I have to watch my apostrophes. I put them in the strangest places...
@Marth- lyk dis? maaan, 1st persun iz awsum, bt watch owt 4 doin it RONG. if u use da wurd 'sooo' @ any point in ur narrashun, UR DOIN IT RONG. if ur main chara iz a, lyk, totly ironic teen gal, UR NT ORIGINAL. if u rite lyk stph meyer, expct me 2 trn up @ ur house wit a baseball bat an a grin. (Lyk dis: >:D)
I like both, in reading as well as writing. I tend to switch, but I do think third person suits me better than first. When I need to give a character's thoughts literally I'll just use single apostrophes instead of doubles.
When done well, though, first person tends to be more gripping than third, although that's just a matter of taste.
I prefer first person; I find it much easier to write in and easier to read in.
But I am currently working on a story in third person that I might have to change into first, it's getting quite complicated. huff
I've actually read a story in second person before on quizilla. I was thinking- "What in the hell?"
It's weird to read it, it appears like a demand. "You went to the movies."
It always feels like my mind is being made up for me, and I tend to think, I wouldn't do that in a million years.
Second person stories are quite odd,
Agreed?
I myself switch the POV with every story (not with every chapter). It entirely depends on what you want to show.
If you want to go in depth with a charachter, a 1st person is the best choice. But if want to be more clinical and the emphasis is on the situation rahter than the charachters you're better of with the 3rd person.
I also use the 2nd person sometimes in fics, but very rarely since it can only be used if it is a oneshot in the form of a letter.
Also, if you have the protagonist in 3rd person, be consequent and put all the other charachters also in 3rd person. However, if the protagonist is written in 1st person, you put the others most of the time in 3rd person (though that can change, it depends entirely on what your plot or writing style is).
Hope that was helpful. :)
I HATE FIRST PERSON STORIESSSSS!!! Sorry, but I do. For some reason I feel like it's such a juvenile way of reading/writing. I get so bummed out when I read an excellent summary, then click on the story and it starts out, "I stood there, staring into the distance...." NOOOOOO!!!! But maybe that's just me.
I can't even fathom a 2nd person narration. That'd be so hard to read, let alone write!
I mostly write in third person. Had read stories in first that were good. But I do prefer the third person.
I find writing in first person a little odd. It's also rather limiting in terms of how much of the story can be told and how much of an understanding can be given of the other characters. I prefer to make all sides of a story - all motives - known to the audience.
Personally? I avoid writing it in fanfiction altogether, and I've only rarely used it in original work.
As for reading...it depends on the story. I have no problem with first person as opposed to third as long as the author keeps this narrative in character (rather than turning the character into a mouthpiece for him or herself) and consistent - neither switching narrators or points of view. Few things annoy me more than one section being in Harry Potter's first-person POV and the next section in, say, Albus Dumbledore's.
I used to write mostly in 3rd person but I've come to love 1st person. When I'm typing 1st person,I accidently ;unknown to myself; type in 3rd person. And the other way around too. It's aggravating.
3rd. i used to only write in 1st but then my creative wriing teacher challenged us all to write in 3rd and i like it so much i never went back
I have two stories in first person perspective... They're the same story, just different views on all the events, of course. I perfer 3rd person omniscient, though. Most of my stories are 3rd.
Third person perspective, the whole way. Though some first person fics have really caught my attention, I must say that I prefer third to first. There was one I read a long time ago that was written in second (where the narrator tells you what happened to you - you are the MC), but I've not been able to find it again. :\
As long as the silly story doesn't jump around with the POV too much, I'm fine with it.
I believe 3rd person is the typical favorite of most authors. The reason for that is that the plot can be as broad or narrow as s/he chooses. You can very effectively create a very simple 3rd person story, but experienced authors can add to the complexity of the plot by following multiple characters or parties at different chronological paces.
First person is the POV I favor, although it's only because I'm very good at portraying the character's emotions and surroundings. And I realize that it's not the most attractive among readers.
Another kind of perspective I've found done very well by a limited number of authors is multiple first person perspectives. By switching characters to expand the plot, you can go beyond the limit of one character and see through the eyes of several. This is not one method I hope to try, but it is interesting.
>>36 Yes I think 3rd person narrative is easier than 1st person because you don't have to include too much introspection through the character's eyes and can quite simply describe the surroundings/scene/action. For the 1st person it can be easy and difficult where on one hand you don't have to describe as much because it's whatever the character happens to see, feel, hear etc; but on the other hand you must totally know the character, his/her personality, emotions, habits, quirks etc which is hard if you haven't built up his/her profile thoroughly. You're speaking in the character's voice, not yours, so in a way you have to be that character for it to work. Which is also hard.
I'm also not usually one to write in 1st person because I haven't practised in that style and the above reasons. Though I may use it later in the future for one fanfiction idea I have. As an experiment.
Personally, I HATE 1st person stories! To me, first person is just a way for people to put themselves into the story and be able to get the guy (I'm lookin' at you Stephanie Meyer!). The only work I've ever read that was first person that I like are the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich - hilarious.
3rd person is easier to read, write, and relate to. With 1st person you miss out on so much from the other characters because you don't get to see inside their heads as well.
@38- W/ regards to your first paragraph, that's only the case if one is a terrible author. A good 1st person writer can also convey other characters' thoughts and feelings via subtle, indirect clues.
Or POV-switches, if they're lazy.
I prefer third person mostly. I'm going to attempt sometime to write a fanfic in first person though probably. But with third person you can go a lot farther.
Third person. PS 38 you REALLY don't like SM, do you?;D
41, it's not that I don't like her per se, I'm just not a huge Twilight fan. I loved The Host.
I tend to use both, whatever works with the story. I use first person-POV when I want the reader to really live with the character, and when I'm absolutely certain I'm only going to tell the story through that person's eyes. Also, I need to know the character myself very well to make sure he/she doesn't sound OOC. When I feel I need to switch between people who tell the story, I use third person; that makes it much easier to switch about whom the story is about. It also makes the characters slightly more superficial, allowing me to perhaps play a little with their personalities.
I sometimes play with them, though; my most recent story has first person perspective, but the person telling the story changes between two people, the guy and the girl(and yes, it's romance). Another one-shot has the beginning in third person; the perspective changes when the girl tells about what she's been through, changing the story back to first person. But what I'm trying to say is that I like both of them equally. It depends on the situation.
I use what I find is most conviniant for the story. However, I've told many fanfic writers, particularly new ones, to avoid using the first person point of view when the start out writing. I mean, I've seen to many who write in that point of view, simply because they feel it is easier, for the reason that they think it is easier to get into the characters mind. While that is true, it is a LOT easier to make them OoC in this point of view, because one is using their thoughts. I've written quite a few fanfics, and I've used first person, only a very few times.
To me, it all depends on the story. If it's important that the reader sees everyone's POV [point of view] then it would be much easier if it was third person. However, if you only need one or two (maybe even three) people's POV then it'd be fine to use first person, depending on how much you want the reader to see inside their head.
I've always written in third person because it's easier and because to me, first person is nearly impossible. It feels way too uncomfortable writing it down.
I like both POVs, but personally I find 1st person harder to write, and only really use if I can't avoid it, or if it'd be easier to get my point accross with it. Though, in regards to reading it, if it can be done well, I enjoy it, if not, I tend to back away from the story. Though, it depends on the content, really, if its a good plot despite POV, I'll continue, most likely, unless its unbarably bad.
>>47 I mostly see second person in reader-insert fics, so I suppose its avoided because its so commonly used there, or because its a bit cumbersome in regular fics... I guess... by the way, I'm still acidentally stalking you... because I'm awesome like that... So Yeah.
I've done both. Now I kind of just mix it. I write in third person but focus in a first person base on their thoughts and reasons for their actions. I do not le readers be aware of what another character is thinking about or details in their actions. Unless- of course- it interferes with the main character I'm focusing on but it will be his/her reaction mostly.
I find first person an interesting tool to get in tune with your version of the character, or if its an oc, getting to know your character. For instance, I usually focus on Draco Malfoy. At first, when I started writing HP fanfics, I found myself giving him a fangirl POV (thank god that phase is over). I made him a crybaby, wuss, suicidal (lol= Draco Malfoy Suicidal? please), and a total romantic sap. Over the years I got a liitttle (lot) more familiar with him. The product I have of him now is a spoiled, sexy, b*stard, and who opens up only to people who have known him long enough. I now think that anyone who stands a chance of being remotely close to a romantic interest will have a hell of a time working for it. He's materialistic, a prude about the silliest things, and can be downright malicious if he wants to.
Whoa that turned out longer but I think you get my drift.
God, I love first-person. I don't know how people survive without it. You can write popcorn-fiction and use the most ridiculous writing style and have so much fun with verbs and and and-
...
... Everyone who dislikes writing in the first-person is choosing the wrong characters to write as. Don't write as Harry; write as Lockhart, as the saying I have just coined goes. Pick someone who's larger than life. Have fun with it.
YOU CAN EVEN USE THE WORD 'POOTLE' IN YOUR NARRATION FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.
(in other words, I've actually done some writing this morning)
>>48 - You'll see it more often on sites that allow you based fanfics, and it tends to be... how to put it, bad. I hate reading that kind of fanfic... I never can relate to the characters, and I go 'you' as in me, would NEVER make some of the stupid mistakes that some of these make.
>>49 - I wouldn't rule out crybaby and wuss in the way he acts on the outside. Sure, he might not have an emotional outburst in front of people, but he has had his own share of mental break downs in canon away from people, and in front of people, he has proven to be a wuss at times, up to the last book. As for suicidal, he has a depressed side of his personality, and lack of self-esteme, which becomes apparent in the last two books. If written right by a fanfic writer, he CAN be suicidal. But enough set up is needed. He simply lacks social skills, no thanks to his upbrining.
>>50 - I REALLY don't think it is a simple as you say, to write first person point of view. I use it when I feel it appropriate. I don't go out of my way to write it either.
I usually write in third person, but I love first person so much. Its just I have to really like the plot of my story to write it. If its written right, first person POV is amazing. Its good for giving detail about the narrating character. Third person is great for giving more insight about what's happening outside of the main characters own mind.
I actually write in first person. I'm a lazy guy who doesn't like to describe too many things so I rather write in first person since the person won't notice certain things. Plus, I'm able to pretend to be the character to some extent if I was in first person
I actually write in first person. I'm a lazy guy who doesn't like to describe too many things so I rather write in first person since the person won't notice certain things. Plus, I'm able to pretend to be the character to some extent if I was in first person
Most of the time I write in third and first person. Though, sometimes I also write in second person.
It's different and that's why I try it out sometimes, though I haven't posted any of them on the net yet. Except one on fictionpress (Everybody's fool).
I write in 3rd person mostly because that's what I'm most comfortable with. I do have a few ideas though; that I think will be better if there in 1st.
When it comes to reading, I like both, but only if--when writing 1st--you know the character really well. If not, it can ruin the experience.
>>55 - To me, I use both first and third to describe things, so I never thought that it could be used as a tool for someone who didn't like describing things. I also like the fact that you said 'to some extent' when pretending to be the characters. Some of the people who write first person, forget that they aren't the characters and it shows badily.
>>57 - You might be more comfortable in third person, but I think there is going to come a point when you will be comfortable to write all those ideas in first, though it might take time. :)
I've had first person point of view ruined MANY times, because either the person didn't know the character well enough, or they put in rabbid fangirl wish fullfillment.
I usually do third person, but for some characters I do first person because I'm very comfortable with them. (Ex. Aki from YGO5D's.)
I'm also most comfortable in third person. I haven't written in first since I started writing forever ago. Third just seems easier to me.
Also, I'll occasionally dabble in second for drabbles or short-oneshots, but not very often. o:
>>58 Thanks! =)
I actually really, really like 1st person narratives (if they're done correctly, of course).
Getting into my favorite characters head, seeing what makes then tick, it can help you realize something’s about then you've never thought of before. It’s like you're right there in their mind, coming along for the ride.
I would've put all this in my last post, but the words wouldn't come out right. (Hate when that happens!)
I prefer third person restricted for the most part, as I find it lets me get just as close to the character while still retaining a degree of impartiality. These are combined with scene shifts (a chapter may have quite a few points of view) to flesh out the characters and the story.
However, I've recently started jotting down notes for a sequel to an as-yet unpublished multichapter, and when writing from the PoV of a particular character I /have/ to use first person.
Still, overall, if I had to choose then third person would probably be the one. I prefer stories written in it too, although I've seen some very good first person fiction.
These days i am hating 1st person with a passion. It just sucks so bad to me. I wrote a story in first person when I was younger, and right now I am in the rpocess of making it omniscent.
>>64 I understand completely about the sueified thing for characters. I've read multiple fanfictions for the Yusei/Aki ship in Yu Gi Oh 5D's and many times Aki has thoughts and does actions that are so entirely unlike herself that besides her looks, she's actually like a total Sue. It tends to be a lot more common when it's first person, but it can happen with third person too. :/
>>65 - Yup.