What is Third Person? A Beginner’s Guide to Narrative Point of View
As a writer, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the point of view from which to tell your story. Among the different types of narrative perspectives, third person is one of the most widely used. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the definition of third person, its variations, and how it can benefit your storytelling.
What is Third Person?
Third person is a narrative point of view that uses pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they” to convey the actions, thoughts, and feelings of the characters in the story. Unlike first-person narration, where the narrator is also a character in the story and uses “I” to tell it, third-person narration provides an outsider’s perspective.
This approach gives writers more freedom to create a broader and more complex story, as they’re not limited to the narrator’s perceptions and knowledge. However, it also requires more skills to maintain a cohesive and engaging narrative, as the writer needs to balance the multiple viewpoints and offer insight into the characters’ thoughts and motivations.
The Different Types of Third Person
Third-person can be further divided into three categories: limited, omniscient, and objective. Each one has a distinct set of characteristics that affect how the story is perceived and the level of intimacy with the characters.
Limited Third Person
In limited third person, the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character, typically the protagonist. This approach allows for a deeper connection with the protagonist without sacrificing the ability to explore the actions and motivations of other characters.
Omniscient Third Person
Omniscient third person is when the narrator is privy to all the characters’ thoughts and feelings. This approach provides a broader view of the story’s world and characters, but it can be challenging to maintain a consistent voice and avoid overwhelming the reader.
Objective Third Person
An objective third-person narrator provides a neutral and impartial view of the story, without revealing any character’s thoughts or feelings. This approach is commonly found in journalism or non-fiction writing and can add a sense of realism and detachment to the narration.
The Benefits of Using Third Person
Using third person narration can bring several benefits to your storytelling. Some of these include:
Multiple perspectives
Third person allows writers to explore different character perspectives and shape a well-rounded portrayal of the story’s world. This approach can add depth and complexity to the characters, as well as prevent a biased or one-dimensional view of the story.
Flexibility
Third person’s flexibility allows writers to move between scenes, characters, and settings without limitations. This feature is particularly useful for multi-plot stories, where the writer needs to juggle various elements to create a cohesive narrative.
Balance
Third person narration can also help writers balance the emotional weight of the story. By providing a range of perspectives, writers can avoid saturating the reader with a single character’s emotions or making the story too detached or clinical.
Conclusion
Choosing the right narrative point of view is crucial to creating a compelling story, and third person is a popular and powerful tool for writers. Whether you opt for limited, omniscient, or objective third-person narration, make sure to use it in a way that serves your story and enhances the reader’s experience. Remember that writing is a craft that requires practice and skill, so keep honing your narrative skills and experimenting with different approaches to see what works best for you.
