First person versus third person …

• Posted in About Books, On Writing

As those of you who’ve read my books know, I write in what is called first person. Basicaly, it means that the story is told from one character’s point of view. In first person books, the lines are usually something like this: I went to the store. I drove home. I cooked steaks.

On the other hand, third person books are (or can be) written from the view of several different characters: Jill went to the store. Jill drove home. Jack was glad that she bought steaks.

There’s been tons of debate over the years about which is better, first person books or those written in third person. Some people love first person books, but they are others that won’t touch them with a ten-foot pole.

Frankly, I just don’t get what the big deal is. When I read, I’m looking for two things — interesting characters and a great story. I don’t care whether the book is written in first person or third person. I don’t care whether the author is a man, woman, or an alien from another planet. I want to be entertained — that’s it. That’s my only requirement. Make me smile, make me laugh, make me cheer for your hero, and curse your villain. That’s all that I want.

So why do I write in first person if it’s so unpopular with some folks? Well, because that’s the point of view that speaks to me. That’s the one that lets me get inside a character’s head and really find her voice. That’s the one that just works for me. I always think that my books and characters feel flat when I try to write them in third person.

I have to write in the voice that speaks to me, and for now at least, that voice is first person. I hope my books, my characters, my stories entertain folks. That’s all that I want as a writer. Well, okay, fame and fortune would be nice too, but I’m not holding my breath about those things.

As for those who won’t read books simply because they’re written in first person, you guys really don’t know that you’re missing — great characters and great stories. I hope you change your mind and give first person a try. You’ll be glad that you did.

What about you guys? Which do you prefer, first person or third? Share in the comments.

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13 Responses to “First person versus third person …”

  1. Amy says:

    I’ve never understood the whole first vs. second person debate. I’m with you, it’s the story and characters that make or break the book for me. I could care less who is talking to me, as long as I’m loving what they are saying. 🙂

    However, present tense books are where I have to draw the line. I guess we all have our “thing.”

  2. Jennifer Estep says:

    Ditto. If the story/characters aren’t engaging, then it doesn’t matter what tense or POV the book is written in. Can’t think of too many present tense books, though. That is one POV that’s really tough to pull off — and pull off well.

  3. Wendy says:

    Personally, I love first person. I like being able to connect with the character and really feel like I know that person. I don’t feel as much of an affinity with 3rd person, especially if the author jumps back and for between characters. I know that first person can limit you, as you can only write about what is going on in that person’s head….but that’s the part I like. That said, I will read third person if the story is good, or looks to be good, so it’s not like I only read 3rd person, I just prefer 1st person POV.

  4. Debbie Haupt says:

    Jennifer, how right you are and I totally agree with you. What is the big deal. I don’t teach literature at some IVY league U or even in some rural High School, so who cares. I read what I like, I read to be entertained so if the sentence starts with I or she I could care less.
    BTW I love the way you write no matter what person it’s in
    Your Fan
    Deb

  5. Jennifer Estep says:

    I love first person too. I know I was a little disappointed when Lee Child switched the POV for his Jack Reacher series. The first book was first person but the others I’ve read have all been third person. I think that first person gives you a more intimate look at/feel for a character. But I like third person just fine too. It really is all about the story for me.

    First person can be limiting that way — especially if you need to get other characters’ POVs in there to fill out your story. That’s when things like having your character eavesdrop comes in handy. LOL.

  6. Debbie Haupt says:

    Jennifer, I totally agree with you. Who cares and what’s the big deal. What I look for in a read is exactly what you described above. I read to be entertained so who cares if the entertainer I choose uses first or third person narrative to entertain me.
    BTW I love the way you write and would love it no matter the voice you chose to do so.
    Your Fan
    Deb

  7. Jennifer Estep says:

    Debbie — Me too. I wish I had more time to read, so when I finally do get a chance to sit down and read, I want to be entertained and swept away to another world. It doesn’t matter to me how the author tells the story as long as it’s a good one.

    Thanks! That’s so nice of you to say. 😉

  8. Jody W says:

    I like both. I have often advised beginning writers who have trouble with deep third POV to switch to first, really get into the characters’ heads, and switch back if need be. Writing in first, first, is also a way for newer writers to get on top of frequent POV shifts.

  9. Jennifer Estep says:

    That is a really good tip for beginning writers. Writing in first person does eliminate too many POV shifts and really lets a writer explore all of a character’s quirks — and sometimes, find their own “voice” as an author.

  10. Natascha says:

    Whether a book is written in first person or third person is not a deciding factor for me. I do have a preference for multiple first person characters in a story, because I want to know what each character is feeling, experiencing, learning, rationalizing, etc. But, I have enjoyed third person stories also.

    It is true, its all about how good the story is.

  11. Jennifer Estep says:

    Natascha — That’s why some folks don’t like first person, especially in romance — they want to get the hero’s POV too. But if I like the main character enough, I’m good with first person. Multiple first persons POVs can be cool too. Soon I Will Be Invincible is a good example of that — the chapters alternate between the hero and villain.

  12. Tia Nevitt says:

    As a reader, I utterly don’t care. The only thing I stumble over is present tense, and even then if the story sucks me in, I’m good with it. Also, too many third person points-of-view will start to put me at a distance from the story.

    As a writer, it depends on my characters. I’m working on my second fairy tale retelling, and I went with third person because I want more than one point-of-view. But my first fairy tale retelling is in first person. I never considered writing it any other way. I also have written a spy fantasy in first person, and and epic fantasy in two third-person point-of-views.

  13. Jennifer Estep says:

    Tia — Me either.

    I’ve tried a couple of times to write in third person, but it just never feels like it’s working for me. I think I’m always going to be writing in first person.

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