Writing in Perspective: First, Second, and Third Person

One of the key elements to writing a good story or a best-selling book is the perspective in which it is written. Before writing your book, take all the time you need to decide which is the best point of view that you can use.

The perspective is extremely important because this is how the readers will approach your story.

Ask yourself, “What kind of narrator will best tell this story?”

Let’s learn about the different perspectives of a narrator:

First-Person Perspective

The first-person perspective is also known as the “I or We Point of View.”

When writing in this perspective, we use singular first-person pronouns such as I, me, mine, and myself and plural first-person pronouns such as we, us, our, and ourselves.

We also use the first-person perspective when we are referring to ourselves, our thoughts, or our experiences.

Let’s take a look at first-person sentences below:

I scraped my knee when I fell.
We should wait until the bus comes.
I am doing this for myself.

Writing in First-Person Perspective

There are many advantages when it comes to writing your book in the first-person perspective. That’s why it comes as no surprise so many books are written this way.

The biggest advantage when it comes to this writing style is that you can share the firsthand experiences that your character is going through with your readers.

It makes the reader feel much more involved in the action or drama and through this style, the reader may embody the character himself which will enable him to appreciate the story in a way that is relatable to him.

In other words, when you write in first-person perspective, readers will usually feel more connected to your characters.

Second-Person Perspective

The second-person perspective is also known as the “You-person Point of View.” In this writing style, we use second-person pronouns such as you, yours, yourself, and yourselves.

It’s much easier to remember because all second-person pronouns start with you.

When using the second-person perspective think of it as if you are talking to a singular person in front of you.

Here are some examples of second-person perspective sentences:

You should go and see the dentist.
You shouldn’t be waiting here by yourself.
It is yours to keep.

Writing in Second-Person Perspective

It’s rare to see fiction books written in the second-person perspective but there are brave writers who are willing to dare.

Second-person point of view is a difficult writing style. Having a complicated perspective is a major turn off for most readers and when you can’t understand the direction the story is heading to, it is likely that he or she will be discouraged to read.

Nevertheless, writing in second-person perspective is very useful when it comes to non-fiction books such as self-help books because people feel like the book is more personalized, like having a friend who gives good advice.

Third-Person Perspective

The third-person perspective is also known as the “He or They-person Point of View.”

When using the third-person perspective, we use third-person pronouns such as he, him, his, himself, she, her, hers, herself, it, its, itself, they, them, their, theirs, and themselves.

The third-person point of view is used when the perspective belongs to the person or persons you’re writing about.

As a reader, you are merely an observer of the things happening to the characters.

Here are some third-person perspective writing examples:

They are going to the beach.
He is studying Psychology.
She isn’t going to the party.
It is hissing at me.

Writing in the Third-Person Perspective

This writing style is probably the most commonly used in writing because writing in third-person point of view is easier than writing a story in first or second-person perspectives.

When writing in this style, you are only describing and showing the setting, the characters, and their experiences. Writing in third-person perspective is handier when you have multiple supporting characters since it allows you to keep track of them.

Although this writing style doesn’t give you the in-depth experience of the first-person perspective, some writers let the thoughts and ideas of the characters bleed out of the page and into the readers, creating a great reading experience.

Choosing Your Perspective

It’s important to highlight the significance of choosing the perspective your book will take because your approach or your point of view taken will definitely affect the entire book and how readers engage with your story.

Choosing a straight-to-the-point perspective might be easier when it comes to writing but might not have so many advantages when it comes to plot development. It may not be as detailed enough or perhaps it will not give the amount of impact you hoped to give to your readers.

Meanwhile, choosing an unconventional perspective may be too complicated and when the time comes for you to write, it will be more difficult on your part. Although this may give your reader a unique perspective, you might lose some of the readers’ attention and commitment along the way.

Choosing the best perspective for your story all depends on you. Take the time to really think about your book.

Get to know your characters, memorize the plot, and look for loopholes you can fill. Ask yourself these questions:

Who is my protagonist? Why is he, she, or it my protagonist?
Will the story be much better told through the protagonist’s eyes?
Will the story have more impact if told from a second-person perspective?
Do I want to make my readers feel like the observer?
Do I want my readers to have a more personal and in-depth experience?

By asking yourself these questions, you are slowly paving the way to pick the best writing style that your book needs. After giving it some thought, pick up your pen and start writing.

Do not be afraid to change perspectives or mix perspectives up if necessary because sometimes books with multiple points of views give a much more thorough telling of the story.

The important thing to remember is that only you know how the story goes and only you know which is the best path for your book to take.

What’s your favorite perspective to write in? Let us know in the comments below!

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