First person/Third Person

[UsedToBePsycho]

I want to write a story in which the main character might not be very likable. Should I tell this story in first person or third person?

 

[SweetErika]

I think there are pros and cons for each. Two reasons I might favor third person:
- some readers don't separate the author from the character very well and may give the story negative feedback just because they're angered by what "you" think/feel/do or they have a generally negative view of the character;

- depending on how you're writing it, you might have a better shot at showing the impact of the character/character's actions on your other character(s).

You could try writing it (or a chunk of it) both ways and then deciding which one seems to work best, perhaps with the help of your editor and/or beta reader(s). Some stories just flow easier with one voice or another, too, so perhaps you'll start with one perspective, find it's too limiting or bumpy, and decide the other would work better for this piece.

 

[UsedToBePsycho]

Thank you very much for your opinion and suggestion.

 

[CWatson]

It also depends on the exact details of the characterization. If the main character is going to be unlikeable, s/he (believe it or not) has to be unlikeable in a likeable way. S/He still has to get on The Reader's good side, same as any other character. So: what are the character's endearing qualities, and how would you find it easiest to depict that?

 

[Jack_Samuel]

I was actually thinking about this last night and IMHO i much prefer the third person.

Im not sure if its because im a voyeur but i like to imagine the whole situation and i find it reads more like a fantasy story. Also first person limits the story to one persons head and i find some authors slip and change out of that badly when writing. like they will be using the pronoun i and then know what the other person is thinking??????

Also sometimes when reading a first person story im left thinking i wouldn't do / say that and it pulls me right out. But thats probably just me. Theres a lot of first person out there so some people must like it

 

[SweetErika]

I was actually thinking about this last night and IMHO i much prefer the third person.

Im not sure if its because im a voyeur but i like to imagine the whole situation and i find it reads more like a fantasy story. Also first person limits the story to one persons head and i find some authors slip and change out of that badly when writing. like they will be using the pronoun i and then know what the other person is thinking??????

Also sometimes when reading a first person story im left thinking i wouldn't do / say that and it pulls me right out. But thats probably just me. Theres a lot of first person out there so some people must like it

Agreed.

Generally, I think a lot of people feel it's easier to write in first person, especially when starting out. After all, it's how we're used to talking, so it can seem like writing in it is more within our comfort zone.

When first person is done well, it can be truly fantastic. However, it can be difficult to get to that level by avoiding the pitfalls of switching voices, mindreading, portraying dialogue correctly and giving too little or too much description.

 

[Jack_Samuel]

Agreed.

Generally, I think a lot of people feel it's easier to write in first person, especially when starting out. After all, it's how we're used to talking, so it can seem like writing in it is more within our comfort zone.

When first person is done well, it can be truly fantastic. However, it can be difficult to get to that level by avoiding the pitfalls of switching voices, mindreading, portraying dialogue correctly and giving too little or too much description.

argh yes. the old chest nut about things that are easy to learn but hard to master

 

[fire_breeze]

Personally, I find the first person to be personal, especially if the story was specifically written with someone in mind. However, that being said, it can be incredibly cheesy if the reader is not the intended audience. As SweetE said, if done well, that first person stories can be incredible. The big emphasis on the 'if'. If not, then it is only meaningful to the intended person.

Third person stories, on the other hand, can play with different emotions for the readers, and they can take or leave what they feel comfortable with. Although it can appear distant, it can be oddly intimate and as mentioned, voyeuristic.

Just my humble 3 cents.