Why Third Person Objective is the Perfect Narrative Style for Mystery Novels
Mystery novels are a genre that has been captivating readers for years. The thrill of trying to solve a puzzle and uncovering a mystery is a feeling that can’t be matched. One of the crucial elements of a successful mystery novel is the narrative style used by the author. A narrative style can make or break a novel, and there is one style that stands above the rest: third-person objective.
Introduction
Third-person objective is a narrative style that is used to tell a story without giving the reader access to the thoughts or feelings of the characters. It is a writing style that reflects the events that take place in a story, but from an outsider’s perspective. This style of writing is perfect for mystery novels, allowing the reader to become a part of the investigation process.
The Benefits of Third-Person Objective
One of the primary benefits of using third-person objective is that it allows the author to maintain the suspense in their novel. By not giving the reader access to the emotions and thoughts of the characters, the author can keep the reader guessing about what will happen next. It also creates a mystery that the reader is compelled to solve. This style of writing forces the reader to rely on cues from the characters’ actions, instead of what they are thinking or feeling.
In addition, it allows the author to control the flow of information. In a mystery novel, the author needs to be selective about the information they provide to the reader. If too much information is provided, the mystery is solved too early, and the reader loses interest. Third-person objective allows the author to provide the necessary information needed to solve the mystery gradually, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
Another benefit of using third-person objective is that it allows the author to create a sense of objectivity in their story. The narrative style makes it clear that the story is unbiased and not influenced by the opinions or emotions of any of the characters. This adds an extra level of authenticity to the mystery, making it feel more real to the reader.
Examples of Third-Person Objective in Mystery Novels
Agatha Christie’s novel “Murder on the Orient Express” is an excellent example of how third-person objective can be used effectively in a mystery novel. Throughout the novel, readers are given access only to the facts and clues at hand, and are left in the dark about the thoughts or emotions of the characters. This creates a sense of urgency throughout the story, compelling the reader to solve the mystery.
Another example is Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl.” The novel is narrated from multiple perspectives and uses third-person objective to create an air of tension and suspense, forcing the reader to rely on the actions of the characters to solve the mystery.
Both of these novels illustrate how effective third-person objective can be in creating a compelling mystery novel.
Conclusion
Choosing the right narrative style is crucial for the success of a mystery novel. Third-person objective is the perfect style for writers looking to create a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged and invested in the story. By using this style, authors can develop a sense of objectivity, control the flow of information, and maintain the suspense throughout the novel. It is this combination of elements that makes third-person objective the perfect narrative style for mystery novels.
