The Pros and Cons of Writing in 1st Person vs 3rd Person
As a writer, one of the most important decisions you need to make is deciding which point of view to use in your writing. Point of view refers to the perspective from which the story is told- whether it’s from the first, second, or third person. Out of these three, the most common are the first and third person. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of writing in the 1st person vs 3rd person.
Writing in the 1st Person
When you write in the 1st person, you use pronouns such as “I” and “we” to tell the story. This point of view allows the reader to connect with the narrator more intimately and to gain a better understanding of the character’s feelings and motivations.
One significant advantage of writing in the 1st person is that it creates a level of intimacy with the reader. It can help make your writing more relatable and personal, and this can be beneficial when trying to convey a particular message. Another benefit of writing in the 1st person is that it allows the reader to see the story through the eyes of the narrator, which adds realism and authenticity to the narrative.
On the downside, the use of 1st person point of view can limit the scope of the story. You are telling only one side of the story and giving one perspective, which may leave out critical details or other important viewpoints. Additionally, some readers may find the use of “I” and “we” repetitive and annoying, which can make your writing less engaging.
Writing in the 3rd Person
Writing in the 3rd person refers to the use of pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “they,” and “it” to tell the story. This point of view is useful when you want the readers to have an objective view of the story.
One significant benefit of writing in the 3rd person is that it provides a broader perspective on the story. It allows the narrator to present multiple viewpoints and tell a more intricate story. Additionally, writing in the 3rd person can also make the story more engaging as the reader can experience the story from multiple viewpoints.
However, one downside of writing in the 3rd person is that it can create a level of detachment between the reader and the story’s characters. Writing in the 3rd person makes it difficult to get attached emotionally to the characters or to connect with them on a personal level. This can make the story less engaging for some readers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to use the 1st or 3rd person point of view depends heavily on the story’s context and purpose. Writing in the 1st person can make the story more intimate and personal, while writing in the 3rd person provides a broader, more objective perspective. Both of these perspectives have their advantages and disadvantages and must be judged on the story’s intended effect.
As a writer, you must consider the context of your story, the intended audience, and the message you want to convey when deciding which point of view to use. So, going forward, what can be said is to keep experimenting with both points of view until you find the one that best suits your writing style and the story you wish to tell.
