Single First Person Narrative From Beginning To End?

[Jessicathe69]

BEFORE READING FURTHER: The whole premise to the question is flawed due to a dumba$$, confused (in my tired state) mistake on my part. You might want to skip down several posts first for my apology post.

---------------------

Quick question if I may:

From your writing experiences, are there any advantages and/or disadvantages of using a strictly single first person narrative (only one persons POV) from the beginning to the end of a story?

A little about what prompts this question of mine:

I've started a handful of stories that are being told from multiple first person narratives. Also these stories are being developed somewhat out of sequence much like most movies (last scene shot first, etc.) and probably stories.

However, I started another story several days ago and it's strictly a single first person narrative and I'm writing it in sequence and plan to continue those two aspects to the end. I've really enjoyed this 'style', if you will, of writing so far (really getting into it) and I'm thinking this style may provide for some intense 'get inside the main characters head' moments as that's all, obviously, the reader will have to go on. They'll get to experience everything that she experiences strictly from her point of view (and from the writer side, where all the energy is focused). All the highs and lows, the ups and downs, the surprises, the embarrassments and sometimes startling realizations and everything in between and then some.

Anyway, just a little background into the "why" of the question.

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful replies.

Edited to clarify question by adding "(only one persons POV)".
Edited again to add warning at top.

 

[KeithD]

I haven't checked, but I imagine most of my erotica stories are first person from beginning to end. Even some of the ones I start in third person change to first person and I have to go back and rectify one way or the other. I only rarely have both first and third person in the same story, but have done that.

 

[TriadWriter]

The disadvantage is certainly the singular character's point of view, but if done well enough, that's really all you need.
I personally use the first-person POV in most of my stories (not under my forum name, long story, but I think that was a glitch).

The advantages are an insider's look into that one character, and in some situations, that can increase immersion, depending on who's reading.

 

[KeithD]

An advantage of using first person for erotica is that it's the most intimate POV.

 

[NotWise]

Quick question if I may:

From your writing experiences, are there any advantages and/or disadvantages of using a strictly single first person narrative from the beginning to the end of a story?

I use either first or third person in my stories. When I write in first person I stay with the same narrator all the way through, so I don't have a basis in experience for answering your question.

The advantage that comes to mind immediately is that you have less risk of confusing your readers than you do if you head-hop between different first-person narrators.

 

[ElectricBlue]

First person suits erotica well, because it's intimate.

There are no "advantages or disadvantages" as such - it's a stylistic choice for a writer - just as third person is a stylistic choice of narration. Generally speaking, first works very well if your stories have a limited number of protagonists, because your narrator will be one-on-one. If you have a wider array of characters, a third person narrator might be better, because you can wander around your cast more, if you want to. Having said that, close third person can also be used in stories with only two characters, and can be just as intimate.

One thing to think more about, perhaps, is whether your first person narrative is in present or past tense. Present tense can be exhausting for the reader because it's all "now," whereas past tense allows your narrator a bit of contemplation time, if they need it.

 

[Jessicathe69]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful and quick comments, I appreciate it.

I think there may have been a flaw in my question, so I've edited to clarify further that the question is about a "single first person narrative (just one person from beginning to end)" as opposed to simply a "first person narrative".

I can see the possibility of confusion in retrospect. My bad, sorry!

Or maybe I'm reading some of the replies wrong (?).

Thanks again.

Edited to bold and italicize "single".

 

[KeithD]

I responded the way you meant it.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I have written a lot of stories in first person POV where there was only one narrator. I have also changed the narrator in the stories, but I made clear who was tell the story.

ie.

**** John

text


**** Mary

text

If I use the same narrator they know who is talking so no need to tell them with flags.

I haven't had any complaints one way or the other. In fact I received several compliments on how I changed the point of view in a couple of the stories here.

In my third person stories there is only one narrator.\

I think my 'e' key is sticking or something. Or my finger for the key won't work.

 

[Jessicathe69]

The disadvantage is certainly the singular character's point of view, but if done well enough, that's really all you need.

I personally use the first-person POV in most of my stories (not under my forum name, long story, but I think that was a glitch).

The advantages are an insider's look into that one character, and in some situations, that can increase immersion, depending on who's reading.

Yes, that's what I'm hoping and striving for. Focusing solely on one character will, I hope, take the reader on a much more intimate journey with her than if there were multiple characters POV's. Just thinking out loud here, but I suspect anyone with the desire and will to write could do that same character equal justice either way. However, this way neither the main character (and sole POV) nor the reader know the other characters motives, etc. where that may be reveled when writing multiple characters POV. You deal strictly with her POV alone and all the nooks, crannies and nuances that can be explored that way.

 

[Jessicathe69]

An advantage of using first person for erotica is that it's the most intimate POV.

.....

 

[Jessicathe69]

I use either first or third person in my stories. When I write in first person I stay with the same narrator all the way through, so I don't have a basis in experience for answering your question.

The advantage that comes to mind immediately is that you have less risk of confusing your readers than you do if you head-hop between different first-person narrators.

That, too!

 

[NotWise]

That, too!

Maybe other people see different reasons, but for me the main reason to tell stories in first person is because that's how we experience them. It's fairly organic.

I don't think I've ever read a story told by more than one first-person narrator, so this is a little speculative; if you use more than one first-person narrator, don't you risk losing that natural story-telling style?

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Maybe other people see different reasons, but for me the main reason to tell stories in first person is because that's how we experience them. It's fairly organic.

I don't think I've ever read a story told by more than one first-person narrator, so this is a little speculative; if you use more than one first-person narrator, don't you risk losing that natural story-telling style?

I have one here... Remembrance Ch. 01 in my Lit Stuff link in my sig. It switches between husband and wife. No cheating in the first chapter even though it's in LW.

 

[Jessicathe69]

Maybe other people see different reasons, but for me the main reason to tell stories in first person is because that's how we experience them. It's fairly organic.

I don't think I've ever read a story told by more than one first-person narrator, so this is a little speculative; if you use more than one first-person narrator, don't you risk losing that natural story-telling style?

It's pretty common as far as I can tell.

 

[Jessicathe69]

It's become embarrassingly clear to me (God, I hate these moments) that the whole premise to my question is completely and totally flawed (and confusing!) due to the brain F&^% that lead to me to confusing, while spelling out this question anyway, "first person" and "third person".

You're all sweet that you didn't call me a dumba$$ for a clearly dumba$$ mistake.

With that being said, I'm thinking my question should have been "strictly single third person narrative", but at this point I'm wondering if I know S^$%.

Apologies to all. I need a nap.

PS - I swear, my writing is much better than you might think based on this dumba$$ mistake I've clearly made here. If nothing else, perhaps I've provided some entertainment for some of you. I think I was just so focused on wording the question right that I screwed up the simplest thing.

EDIT: Spelling.

 

[yukonnights]

EDIT For change to question; This below may not be what you seek. It is possible in Third Person POV, but not as relevant. (Now you went and got me in trouble for nothing )

I do not want to derail this conversation, but I think you're onto something very important for making your stories more intense and the reader more immersed in them. For the last month or so I have been exploring this very topic. I'm not going to bring it up too strongly lest it run off the rails again.

There is a thing called Deep Point of View (Deep POV). There are numerous references to this online, and a number of how to books available. Here's a couple of defining elements of Deep POV below (if this sounds like what you're shooting for, you can search online or PM me and I'll share what I can.)

#2. Inside-Out-Perspective: The goal is for the reader to "become the viewpoint character"...the reader gets inside the head and body of the viewpoint character. This is a big shift in writing style. FILTERING words need to be eliminated; (ex: Outside Looking In = "a frown crossed her face." Inside Looking Out = "she frowned" The viewpoint character cannot see the frown cross her own face! That becomes a "telling" instead of a "showing". (yukonnights note: One need not remain in just one point-of-view character to maintain this. It is best limited to two, three at the most though. Each shift in point-of-view-character must be clear to the reader to avoid head-hopping confusion.)

#5. Immediacy: The reader experiences the story in "real time". The events play out in front of us as if we were watching them happen...think of a movie or tv show. Note: this is not just true for 'present tense'. It can also work in 'past tense'.

Okay, that should do it

 

[SimonDoom]

I think there is some confusion about what you're talking about. You might want to link to or include a sample so we can tell.

First person POV is this:

I walked to the store. I wasn't sure what I wanted to buy, but when I got there I decided to buy Cheerios.

Third person POV is this:

Maria walked to the store. She wasn't sure what she wanted to buy, but when she got there she decided to buy Cheerios.

Third person POV comes in two types. One is limited, where the narrator only reveals the thoughts of one character (Maria, in this case). The other is omniscient, where the narrator lets you know what everybody, or at least many characters, are thinking.

Many authors here think first person POV is well suited for erotica, because it's the most intimate point of view. It's also useful for the element of surprise, because the narrator only can say what one character experiences and knows nothing beyond that.

There's no right answer. I've written stories in both POVs. My favorite is third person omniscient, but I've used others.

By the way, there's nothing dumbass about what you're asking. POV is a complicated subject. What Yukonknights is talking about -- deep POV -- is even more complicated. He posted about it earlier on another thread and I responded, and then I looked it up online and realized I had no clue about it at all. You only learn by asking questions.

 

[Jessicathe69]

EDIT For change to question; This below may not be what you seek. It is possible in Third Person POV, but not as relevant. (Now you went and got me in trouble for nothing )

I do not want to derail this conversation, but I think you're onto something very important for making your stories more intense and the reader more immersed in them. For the last month or so I have been exploring this very topic. I'm not going to bring it up too strongly lest it run off the rails again.

There is a thing called Deep Point of View (Deep POV). There are numerous references to this online, and a number of how to books available. Here's a couple of defining elements of Deep POV below (if this sounds like what you're shooting for, you can search online or PM me and I'll share what I can.)

#2. Inside-Out-Perspective: The goal is for the reader to "become the viewpoint character"...the reader gets inside the head and body of the viewpoint character. This is a big shift in writing style. FILTERING words need to be eliminated; (ex: Outside Looking In = "a frown crossed her face." Inside Looking Out = "she frowned" The viewpoint character cannot see the frown cross her own face! That becomes a "telling" instead of a "showing". (yukonnights note: One need not remain in just one point-of-view character to maintain this. It is best limited to two, three at the most though. Each shift in point-of-view-character must be clear to the reader to avoid head-hopping confusion.)

#5. Immediacy: The reader experiences the story in "real time". The events play out in front of us as if we were watching them happen...think of a movie or tv show. Note: this is not just true for 'present tense'. It can also work in 'past tense'.

Okay, that should do it

Thank you! That's a lot to absorb (and will come back to it later) but, yeah, it's what I'm looking for (though I clearly need a nap/good night's sleep).

I want the reader to see, taste, hear, smell and feel everything the character does, whether it's thoughts, emotions or physical sensations, I want to put the reader right there in everything the character is experiencing in real time. Everything, with no distractions, as if he or she was experiencing it themselves.

So much so that I'm even wondering whether the ' "blah," he said ' or ' "blah?" she asked ' should be changed up to ' "blah," she heard ' (no, probably not ) but change up something from the norm to bring the reader in even closer. Maybe a "as she listened, she noticed..." or something like that 'cause, well, people hear what they want to hear sometimes and that should be reflected in the character as well. But I'm a rookie and this has probably all been done before.

 

[jaF0]

Quick question if I may:

From your writing experiences, are there any advantages and/or disadvantages of using a strictly single first person narrative (only one persons POV) from the beginning to the end of a story?

First person. Third person. Who's on First? I dunno. THIRD BASE!!


OK enough Abbott & Costello, is this the kind of thing you mean?

https://www.literotica.com/s/another-point-of-view

 

[yukonnights]

Thank you! That's a lot to absorb (and will come back to it later) but, yeah, it's what I'm looking for (though I clearly need a nap/good night's sleep).

I want the reader to see, taste, hear, smell and feel everything the character does, whether it's thoughts, emotions or physical sensations, I want to put the reader right there in everything the character is experiencing in real time. Everything, with no distractions, as if he or she was experiencing it themselves.

So much so that I'm even wondering whether the ' "blah," he said ' or ' "blah?" she asked ' should be changed up to ' "blah," she heard ' (no, probably not ) but change up something from the norm to bring the reader in even closer. Maybe a "as she listened, she noticed..." or something like that 'cause, well, people hear what they want to hear sometimes and that should be reflected in the character as well. But I'm a rookie and this has probably all been done before.

Jessica, Contact me when you get rested up. I hear what your saying, I think I can point you to some info.

 

[Jessicathe69]

I think there is some confusion about what you're talking about. You might want to link to or include a sample so we can tell.

First person POV is this:

I walked to the store. I wasn't sure what I wanted to buy, but when I got there I decided to buy Cheerios.

Third person POV is this:

Maria walked to the store. She wasn't sure what she wanted to buy, but when she got there she decided to buy Cheerios.

Third person POV comes in two types. One is limited, where the narrator only reveals the thoughts of one character (Maria, in this case). The other is omniscient, where the narrator lets you know what everybody, or at least many characters, are thinking.

Many authors here think first person POV is well suited for erotica, because it's the most intimate point of view. It's also useful for the element of surprise, because the narrator only can say what one character experiences and knows nothing beyond that.

There's no right answer. I've written stories in both POVs. My favorite is third person omniscient, but I've used others.

By the way, there's nothing dumbass about what you're asking. POV is a complicated subject. What Yukonknights is talking about -- deep POV -- is even more complicated. He posted about it earlier on another thread and I responded, and then I looked it up online and realized I had no clue about it at all. You only learn by asking questions.

Thank you!

I think what I'm doing with my latest story-start is "third person limited". When I realized what a mistake I'd made in my question, I went to Google and, as you've pointed out here, the subject is more complex than one might think (even the use of "narrative vs. narration").

You're sweet. While I may not be a dumba$$ for asking the question, I clearly was for the way I presented it. Like I said, I need a nap.

 

[Hypoxia]

It's become embarrassingly clear to me (God, I hate these moments) that the whole premise to my question is completely and totally flawed (and confusing!) due to the brain F&^% that lead to me to confuse, while spelling out this question anyway, "first person" and "third person".
<...>
I'm thinking my question should have been "strictly single third person narrative", but at this point I'm wondering if I know S^$%.

Okay, now we're clear you meant "strictly single third person". Another name is "third person limited" as opposed to 'view-hopping' or 'omniscient'. I've written standalones and series following only the MC. It's a technique, for effect. Maybe I don't WANT an involved narrator's POV -- I want some distance from them, for whatever reason, possibly unpleasant. First person might be TOO intimate, say with NonCon or some kinks.

As for fuckups -- we learn from them.
We gain good judgment from our experiences.
We gain experience from our bad judgments.
Despite all my miserable choices, I'm doing well now.
Whew.

 

[Jessicathe69]

I responded the way you meant it.

.....

 

[KeithD]

I don't think I've ever read a story told by more than one first-person narrator, so this is a little speculative; if you use more than one first-person narrator, don't you risk losing that natural story-telling style?

Carol Shields did this famously in Happenstance, giving both a wife's and a husbands take on the breakdown in their marriage by seeing the same events separately in her and his eyes. She kept the POV quite obvious, though, running wife's story in from one side of the book and then flipping it over and running the husband's perspective from the other side.

I'm reading Jeffrey Archer's As the Crow Flies now. He's writing in third person, but, by section, he covers the same events from the viewpoint of four different characters. He could have just as well done it in first person.