Comments on: Writing Perspectives: Third Person Versus First Person

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:55:53 +0000

One last thing. The way he writes as the dog, really gives it a special touch – one I don’t think he would get if he used 3rd person limited, which is what I believe he’d have to switch to. I was wondering if he could keep it the way it is, but just use italics to cue the reader that he’s switched to the dog’s perspective.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:32:16 +0000

Hello Bobby. I came across this post while editing my 5th grade student’s story. I’m not a writer by any great stretch of the imagination, but I have been teaching for over 20 years, and have taken numerous classes designed to “teach me how to teach writing”. Here’s my dilemma – this young man is writing about a dog in 1st person, and then he changes to 3rd to describe what’s happening when his master searches for him. I’ve always told my kids to use 3rd as a first choice due to the restrictions you mentioned. I thought that you really weren’t supposed to mix third and first, but somehow it seems to work the way he’s doing it. Here’s an excerpt to show you what I mean:
(dog perspective)
After a long time I started to get hungry, so I ate my squirrel and then I tried to find other food. Then I looked for a place to sleep because it was getting dark.

(3rd person – Master Matt’s perspective)
Back at the park, Matt continued his discussion with John. He stopped to look at his watch, “Whoa, I’d better get going! Hey buddy, Jake, let’s go.” He looked down to see where Jake went. “Jake!! Where are you?” He yelled as he looked around to find him.

So, do I tell him to change it all to 3rd person, or is it OK to keep it this way? I’d love to hear what you think, or even if you could let me know of a site that might help me teach this in the best way. Perspective is hard enough for adult writers – and it has to be taught carefully to kids. I never really get into the different versions of 3rd person much – it’s hard enough to get them just to stick to one perspective.

I’ve just never come across anything like this situation before and I find it intriguing.

By: Revellian

Revellian — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:27:21 +0000

Hi John and a huge thanks for the comment and stumble! I noticed quite a large influx of traffic to this post . . . thank you.

I personally love writing in first person the most, but to increase my chances of finding a good agent, I will stick to third at least for now. My novel is mostly written in third person omniscient like “Crime and Punishment” where I show the thoughts of some characters, but not all. This first novel will not be mainstream by any means. While some hopeful writers dream of sitting on the couch next to Oprah discussing their new book, I already know my novel would make her sick and because of its rawness could never be popular in a “pop cultural” sense. My hope for this can only be to gain an audience able to stomach my visceral realism. When I’m done, I will give you a free copy of course.

All I know is that writing this blog over the past two years is probably the entire reason I decided to write a novel. Personally, I think you have a tremendous writing skill and I hope you also write a book

By: John Folk-Williams

John Folk-Williams — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:43:23 +0000

Bobby – I love what you say in these comments about not believing what you’ve written & regarding it as a thought exercise. That’s the way to write! It’s actually more interesting to see how you get to your conclusions, though the advice is also good. I have lots of fiction attempts behind me – I can’t tell you how long it took me to grasp the idea of telling a simple story without all the “omniscience” cluttering things up. This comparison of 1st and 3rd is quite helpful – though the breakthroughs I’ve made, just in freeing myself up to write, have all been 1st person, when I can relax and feel I’m telling the story to someone.

And just so you know, I Stumbled this one.

Good luck with your novel. I can’t wait to read it and would like to reserve an advance copy ASAP.

All my best to you — John

By: Revellian

Revellian — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:44:43 +0000

Hi Teeni! I’ve been extremely busy, and blogging it seems has taken a back seat—probably permanently. Being scarce here means you’re being prolific elsewhere doesn’t it? It’s nice to hear from you

By: teeni

teeni — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:34:56 +0000

Thanks for the informative link and your own thoughts on it. How are you, Bobby? Hope all is well with you. Sorry I’ve been scarce lately. But so have you! LOL!

By: Revellian

Revellian — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:52:08 +0000

Hi Lisa! Well, I don’t agree with my own opinion in this article either, but as with all articles written on any blog by anyone—it ultimately does not matter anyway. Post modernism really translates to “nothing matters and life has no meaning even if you believe it does” doesn’t it? No matter what I write it only represents how I temporarily felt at that particular moment. First person, third person—none of it matters. But yes, I am a fan of Sam Beckett

By: LisaNYC

LisaNYC — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:30:52 +0000

Hi there! Just discovered your great blog from BC! I’m also a fiction writer who gravitates towards darker material, and don’t totally agree with your take on the problems with 1st person narratives. Of course, it’s totally subjective! But novels written in the 1st person are the ones I’m more drawn to, since you really get inside the character’s head, and I find the text much more layered and complex. But, of course, it all depends on the writer. It’s just what I prefer since I’ve been writing in the 1st person since I was first published. Have you read any of the novels of Peter Handke, like the wonderful “A Moment of True Feeling?” Or the fantastic novels of the Austrian novelist, Thomas Bernhard? I’m sure you’ve read Sam Beckett’s work.

Look forward to reading more of your writing!

By: Revellian

Revellian — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:32:35 +0000

Thanks, it’s great to see you Gypsy! I’m not blogging very frequently these days as I’m working a lot of hours . . . fun fun. You have a great weekend too

By: gypsy

gypsy — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:45:13 +0000

Being absent from my “dailies”, I knew I missed a lot. This is my first stop….and I love this entry Bobby. I’ve been thinking about this “issue” or “idea” or whatever other people call it. Reading it has helped a lot!!!

Thanks for sharing Storytellersunplugged as well .

Have a wonderful weekend!