When beginning a story, a writer must pick a point of view. First person? Second person? Third person? Multiple points of view? Sometimes it’s a tough choice.
Most beginning writers gravitate to the first person point of view. This is understandable since their early stories tend toward autobiography. Developing writers manage the first person more easily. Also, some genres, such as the memoir and the hard-boiled detective story, favor the first person point of view.
First person stories are usually simple, direct and straightforward, creating fewer pitfalls for the novice. Readers identify more closely with a first person narrator, allowing the writer to create intimacy and emotional tension more quickly.
The advantages of the first person narration must be balanced against its drawbacks. The first person narrator:
• Can report only what she has seen, heard, done, experienced or felt,
• Cannot directly access the thoughts or feelings of other characters, and
• Has difficulty recounting events that happen simultaneously.
Each point of view serves a different purpose. When writing your story, pick the point of view that matches your story and your skill level.
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Hi! This is jenicoe2001 from eHow! Terrific blog with informative essential info for writers at all levels! Great job!! :)
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