The Wide Web of Friends in YA Books discussion
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First person or third person?
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Rachel , The Attentive One
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Oct 13, 2013 02:17PM

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Personally, I prefer first person. It is better to see what the protagonist see, think and feel.



Plus with first person I feel like you miss out on tons of information and sometimes it's frustrating when you don't know things just because the narrator doesn't know and you really only see things/people from a very limited perspective.

like in the fifth wave they used first and third persons POV


I like both. I really enjoy writing, and reading, both, though I suppose I'm more towards reading 3rd. Writing 1st is far easier than reading it, in my opinion, though a really good 1st person POV book can't be beat. It also depends on if your voice is limited, not omniscient. I like knowing what all of the characters are thinking!
I think I like third person... There's a main character/ POV, but the story can go more places with multiple POVs.



I will say, as some had pointed out that third person is too confusing or not as personal, sometimes first person seems too unbelievable and detaches me from the story. Like... Really? This character contains this much literary prowess? Especially when it's in present tense instead of past. I.E. "I'm firing my gun". Well focus on that, buddy, tell me about it when you're done.

However, when there are several prominent, interesting main characters, I like third person because typically the author will let you see different characters' thoughts. Third person also makes it seem like you're right there watching what's going on, instead of listening to someone else's tale.
That being said, first person has its advantages. You get to read more about their inner thoughts and feelings, which builds a connection with the reader.