First-Person Point of View

As you saw in the last blog, we listed and defined the many possible points of view (POV) authors can use to narrate their storylines. In today’s blog, we will focus on a deeper dive into the first-person POV.

In first-person POV, the narrator is a character within the story who uses pronouns like "I," "me," and "my." The narrator shares their -personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Writers choose to use the first-person POV for a variety of reasons, depending on the specific effect they want to achieve in their writing. Here are some common situations where using the first-person POV can be beneficial:

Intimacy and Authenticity: First-person POV creates an immediate sense of intimacy between the narrator and the reader. By experiencing events through the narrator's -personal perspective, readers form a strong emotional connection with the character. This closeness allows for a more authentic portrayal of the narrator's thoughts, feelings, and voice, making the story feel more -personal and relatable.

Subjectivity and Bias: First-person POV allows writers to explore subjective experiences and showcase the narrator's biases, opinions, and perceptions. The narrator becomes an unreliable or limited observer, offering a unique lens through which the story unfolds. This can add complexity and depth to the narrative, providing insights into the character's mindset and worldview.

Character Exploration: First-person POV is particularly effective for character-driven stories. It allows writers to delve deeply into the narrator's thoughts, emotions, and motivations, providing an intimate understanding of their inner life. This creates well-rounded and memorable characters. Readers gain direct access to their perspectives and -personal growth throughout the story.

Voice and Style: The first-person POV allows writers to showcase a distinct narrative voice and writing style. The narrator's -personality, language, and idiosyncrasies can shine through, making the story feel unique and compelling. Writers can experiment with various narrative voices, reflecting the character's age, background, or -personality traits, to enhance the storytelling experience.

Autobiographical or Memoir Writing: When writing autobiographies or memoirs, using the first-person POV is common and natural. It enables the author to share their -personal experiences, memories, and reflections in their own voice. It lends authenticity to the work, as readers perceive the story as a direct account from the author's perspective.

It's important to note that while the first-person POV offers intimacy and subjective exploration, it also limits the reader's access to other characters' thoughts and experiences. You will want to consider whether the story and its themes are best served by the narrator's personal viewpoint or if a different POV might provide a broader or more balanced perspective. Ultimately, the decision to use first-person POV depends on your intentions, the narrative goals, and the desired impact on readers.

Points of View - First Person

​About Writing     |     The Hollow Man Series, International Espionage​

​