Understanding Third Person Objective: A Complete Guide
Have you ever come across a book or a story that had a narrative voice so detached from the characters that it left you feeling puzzled? Chances are you were reading a story written in the third person objective point of view.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of third person objective and understand what it means, how it works, and when it’s used. So, let’s get started.
What is Third Person Objective?
At its core, third person objective is a point of view in which the narrator is an observer who doesn’t have access to any of the character’s thoughts or feelings. Instead, the narrator reports only on what can be seen or heard in the story’s world.
Unlike first and third person subjective, where the narrator is either a character in the story or knows the character’s internal state, the third person objective narrator remains completely neutral.
How Does Third Person Objective Work?
To write in the third person objective point of view, the writer must immerse the reader in the physical world of the story. It means they have to describe the surroundings and actions, allowing the reader to draw their conclusions.
Using vivid and descriptive language is crucial when writing in third person objective. The reader must feel as if they are watching the events unfold in front of them, without any personal bias or interference from the narrator.
For example, consider the following passage:
“Mary walked into the room. She looked nervous and unsure of herself. John watched her carefully as she took a seat.”
This passage is written in third person subjective, as the narrator has access to both Mary’s and John’s thoughts. Now, let’s rearrange the passage to fit third person objective:
“Mary entered the room, her eyes darting around nervously. She sat down next to John. He observed her carefully.”
This version is written entirely from an outside observer’s perspective, describing only the physical actions and appearances of the characters.
When is Third Person Objective Used?
Third person objective is often used in journalism, non-fiction, and highly-detailed narrative prose. Its ability to remain objective and unbiased helps to convey persuasiveness in statements and writing.
It’s worth noting that third person objective is not a widely used point of view in fiction due to its detached nature. However, it can still be seen in some minimalist or experimental writing styles.
The Advantages of Third Person Objective
One of the main advantages of writing in the third person objective point of view is the ability to remain unbiased and objective. It allows the reader to draw their conclusions without any external influences.
Moreover, third person objective can help to create a sense of detachment between the reader and the characters, which can enhance suspense and mystery.
The Disadvantages of Third Person Objective
One of the main challenges of writing in third person objective is the difficulty of creating empathy between the reader and the characters. When the narrator doesn’t have access to the character’s thoughts and emotions, it can be tough to develop a connection between reader and character.
Additionally, when used in fiction, third person objective can lead to a lack of emotional engagement, as the reader remains detached throughout the story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, third person objective is a point of view that allows writers to remain detached and objective, providing a fresh perspective on storytelling. However, it’s important to recognize that it can be a difficult point of view to master, particularly in fiction where emotional engagement with the characters is crucial.
When used appropriately, third person objective can enhance narrative writing and provide clarity to persuasive writing. Whether you’re writing a news article, a personal essay, or a novel, understanding third person objective is an essential tool in a writer’s toolkit.
