How can I choose whether to write a story in first or third person?

Question

I have a story idea, but I'm not sure how I should portray it. Any recommendations?

Answer 1

It really depends. Both of them have their drawbacks. The most challenging way to write a story is in the first person. This is because you have to tell how the main character discovers everything. The third person poses a few problems, but none of them as severe. It all comes down to taste. First person is also a bit tenuous to read and has a lot of downfalls. I'd go for the third, but I'm a bit biased.

Third person has its drawbacks too. You have to choose whether your third person is omniscent (knows everything- even what characters are thinking 'John thought spiders were disgusting'), or if he can only 'see' things ('John's face cringed at the spider'). Also, with third person, you have to figure out how each character knows details. With first person, you have to demonstrate it all, with the third person, you should at least mention it. Third person is easier, but carelessness leads to plotholes. The same is true with the first person, except then it is usually pretty obvious and easy to fix. The only other drawback about the third person is that it may seem uninvloved, whereas with the first person, there is no choice but for the reader to be involved with the story.

I say that the third person is the easier style to write in; it's also easier to read. It all depends on what your style is and how you want your reader to get into it. There are challenges both ways. The best way to combat the problems is to think about the specifics of the story and write some outlines. Then it becomes clear which is the most efficient and most aesthetically pleasing.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Are there things that you need to tell about in the story that your main character wouldn't be present for? If so, you should write the story in third person. (A friend of mine wrote a novel in first person, then decided that he needed to go back and change it to third so he could tell the whole story, not just what one character saw and did.)

I don't think either way is better, but one or the other can be better for a specific story. First-person narration does, in my opinion, tend to be more intrusive, because the narrator is always there; third-person narration tends to drop into the background.

You may need to just give it a try each way and see what works best for you. If you write the story in third person and you find yourself struggling to find the right way to describe something, switch to first and see if that is easier.

Answer 3

When you read books in general do you like reading then in first or third person. That should answer your question right their. Cause usually what you like in general is how you like to make your stories out after. Happy Writing.

Answer 4

Why don't you try both. Good writers like Grishman often switch between the two persons to create variety. Of course, it makes it more difficult to handle but it's worth a try.

Answer 5

I would pen a few paragraphs in both first and third person... just to see what they both look like on paper.

sometimes i find it best to actually see the writing....

good luck

Answer 6

It really depends on your idea as well as what sounds right, just start writing and pick one, if it sounds eh, use the other.

Answer 7

I had that problem.
just write, and whatever you seem to use better, use