Which narrative should I use?

Question

I'm writing a story (fairy tale adventure shennanigans, ect) and I can't decide if I should use first or third person narrative. I used to write in third person, but recently I've fallen in love with first person. I was wondering, what are the benefits to each style, what are the disadvantages, and what is your preference? Thanks.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Third person allows you to express all the characters thoughts, feelings, etc in a very direct way. "He was thinking about their date last night..." "She was very tired and cross about ..."

First person - you need to convey this through the characters actions, words, expressions, etc. Just like you can't mind read - you have to make observations.. This can be a more powerful way to describe feelings, etc. In a way it makes the reader have to figure things out along with the first person character.

For example, Sara had a pensive look on her face and kept tapping her pen on the desk while she was reading this information. instead of Sara began to feel nervous as she continued to read the information.

First person is more of a challenge but can be very powerful, taking the reader along with the main character.

Miss T · Answer

Third person (:

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Which narrative should I use?

2 Answers