First vs Third Person

[Athalia]

I find that if the story revolves around one central character, 1st person is best. With multiple main characters, 3rd is best to tell the story.

That's what I've found, as well.

Sometimes I've actually gone to the trouble of writing the story both ways, setting it aside, and re-reading both versions a month or so later to see which one worked better.

My preference is first person, though. But I remember having qualms about writing a first-person story from a man's point of view, because I didn't think I could do an authentic "male" voice. But it seems to have worked out. Maybe that's because Lit readers aren't as critical as others, and if I get the sex stuff more or less right, all else is forgiven.

 

[Carnevil9]

It could be interesting to write something in second person, just for fun. That is something you see very rarely on Lit...

I wrote a "second person" story once, just as an experiment, and posted it here at Lit. Quite different from your experiment. It got a few nice comments, but mostly sank like a stone. It's called "A Very Dear Friend" if anyone is interested.

 

[StrangeLife]

I wrote a "second person" story once, just as an experiment, and posted it here at Lit. Quite different from your experiment. It got a few nice comments, but mostly sank like a stone. It's called "A Very Dear Friend" if anyone is interested.

That would be the first one I have seen. I'll certainly check it out...

 

[KeithD]

Except that Carnevil9's story isn't second person. It's all from the I/me/we perspective. First person throughout.

 

[LastLostIdols]

It depends on the specific story.

Precisely. I've done both third & first, it all depends on what you're trying to put across in the story.

 

[StrangeLife]

I wrote a "second person" story once, just as an experiment, and posted it here at Lit. Quite different from your experiment. It got a few nice comments, but mostly sank like a stone. It's called "A Very Dear Friend" if anyone is interested.

But it didn't sink. As far as I can see, you got an ok rating for a short and experimental story. It's not quite second person though, but certainly has an interesting narrative style.