Changing protagonist PoV....

[raphy]

Quick and simple question, although I'm not expecting any quick and simple answers..

Is it bad to write a prologue in first-person PoV, then write the rest of the story/novel in 3rd person?

 

[Guest]

Quick and simple question, although I'm not expecting any quick and simple answers..

Is it bad to write a prologue in first-person PoV, then write the rest of the story/novel in 3rd person?

Nope.


How's that for brevity?

In fact, I've done the exact same thing. I wrote my novel, and am editing it, with a view to getting it out to some agents soon. The thing is, my novel is a pretty hardcore erotic horror, but the first three chapters are pretty light and fairly humorous. I needed to add a prologue in, to re-inforce the fact that it is indeed a horror. Otherwise, any potential agent wouldn't give it a second look.

What's my point? Oh yeah... I've written the prologue from the POV of some random person in the location of the rest of the story, but it is detached from the actual plot. I wrote it in 1st person, to emphasise what was happening to him; the sheer horror of it, and it gives away absolutely nothing about the rest of the novel; just hints at the horror. The actual novel and storyline then picks up the main characters and is written in 3rd person. I'm pretty happy with it and think it works. But, the proof of the pudding...

Lou

 

[raphy]

Thanks Lou

Actually, in this thing, the first person PoV narrator in the prologue is the same guy that is the main protagonist in the novel - it's written from 3rd person limited perspective, so we won't see anyone else's point of view.

Thanks for the encouragement though. I like the prologue how it is, and I don't much fancy rewriting it to aim for a 3PL feel.

 

[Guest]

Sounds good to me, Raphy. I'm all for impact and pushing the boundries of convention.

If you are happy with it and think it works, just go with it!

Lou

 

[oggbashan]

Tatelou is right.

If it works - anything is right.

Og

 

[Liar]

I've seen the other way around quite a few times. But 1st to 3rd, I don't think I have seen that. If it works it works. There are no rights and wrongs here, only better and worse execution of ideas. Would be very interresting to see what you came up with.

#L

 

[snooper]

Easy to do.


Tricky to get just right.

Good luck.

 

[Guest]

mutters about having to take english class AGAIN in college

According to my lovely english professor... its cool.

 

[Guest]

 

[Sabledrake]

I've done that ... recently even sold a story that switched back and forth between first-person narration of the character's childhood with scenes of third-person action.

Sabledrake

 

[raphy]

Well, it's the first time I've ever tried it, which is why I was asking about it. I'm glad that others have paved the way for me and have encouraging words about the use of the technique

Thanks to everyone that's replied. I may post it here when it's written.

 

[Mysteryjj]

I can only add to what's been said love, if it works, that's fine.