The Art of Third Person Storytelling: A Comprehensive Guide
Third person storytelling has been around for centuries, and for good reason – it is a powerful way of conveying a story and can bring an added layer of depth to the narrative. In this article, we will explore the art of third person storytelling, providing you with a comprehensive guide on how to master this technique.
What is Third Person Storytelling?
First, let’s define what we mean by third person storytelling. In simple terms, this is when a narrator tells a story from an outsider’s perspective, using third-person pronouns like “he,” “she,” or “they.” This perspective allows the narrator to paint a broader picture of events and convey more information than a first-person narrative may allow.
Why is Third Person Storytelling Important?
Third person storytelling is essential because it allows the reader to connect with the characters on a deeper level by providing them with a bird’s eye view of the story. By seeing the characters from an outside perspective, the reader can get a sense of their motivations, emotions, and relationships with other characters. Moreover, this technique can be used to build suspense or create dramatic irony, keeping the reader involved in the story.
The Art of Third Person Point of View
When writing in the third person, there are different types of point of view you can use, including omniscient, limited omniscient, and objective. Let’s look at these in more detail:
– Omniscient: This is when the narrator knows everything about the characters and the story, including their thoughts and emotions. This perspective allows the narrator to dip in and out of different character’s heads, providing the reader with a complete picture of the story. However, this can lead to a lack of depth in individual characters.
– Limited omniscient: This is when the narrator only knows the thoughts and emotions of one or a few characters. This approach allows for a more in-depth exploration of characters’ inner worlds, but can also limit the viewpoint of the story.
– Objective: This is when the narrator only reports on what can be observed, without delving into any character’s thoughts or emotions. This technique can create a sense of detachment from the story, but can also be a useful way of conveying information in an unbiased way.
The Importance of Showing vs. Telling
In third person storytelling, “showing not telling” is of utmost importance. This means that instead of telling the reader what is happening, the narrator should describe events and let the reader draw their conclusions. Here’s an example to illustrate this point:
Telling: John was angry.
Showing: John’s face turned red, and he pounded his fist on the table.
By showing rather than telling, the reader can get a sense of John’s emotions and the intensity of the situation, making for a more engaging and immersive experience.
Examples of Third Person Storytelling Done Well
There are countless examples of third person storytelling in literature, but here are a few notable ones:
– The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This book is narrated by Nick Carraway, who observes the characters around him but remains separate from their world. This allows the reader to get a sense of the characters’ personalities and motivations but keeps them at a distance, making for a more poignant reading experience.
– Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: This series is unique in that it starts with a third-person omniscient narration but later transitions to third-person limited omniscient as the story develops and Harry’s experiences become more personal. This technique allows the reader to grow along with the characters and become more invested in their journey.
– Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: This book uses third-person limited omniscient narration to create a deep exploration of the main characters’ inner worlds. By focusing on Elizabeth’s journey, the reader can get a sense of her motivations and emotions, making for a heartfelt and fulfilling reading experience.
Final Thoughts
Third person storytelling is a powerful technique that can add depth and complexity to a story. By understanding the different types of point of view and focusing on showing rather than telling, writers can create an immersive and engaging narrative that will captivate readers. So, next time you sit down to write, consider exploring the art of third person storytelling and see where it takes you.
