First person narration puts readers directly into a character’s head, creating an intimate and immediate experience. This perspective allows for deep emotional connection and personal stakes.
But it also comes with unique challenges.
Unlike third person, which has more narrative range, first person is limited to what the narrator knows, sees and feels. This can be a strength or a weakness, depending on how you use it.
In this episode, I’m going to share 4 common pitfalls when writing first person and how to avoid them.
While these pitfalls are more common in first person, the techniques I’ll share will help you write in third person as well.
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Episode at a glance:
[02:14] Too Much Introspection
While inner monologue is a strength of first person, when we’re trapped inside a character’s head, it can feel claustrophobic. It can slow the pacing and bore the reader. So you want to keep the balance between thoughts and action. Keep your first person character moving through time and space.
[05:46] No Scene Awareness
Often I’ll read a first person narrative that lacks a physical setting. Again, we’re trapped inside the character’s mind with no sense of grounding. Learn how to keep your character – and reader- grounded in a particular place and situation each time we enter a scene.
[09:53] Forced Info Dumping
Since first person perspective is limited to the narrator’s knowledge, this can lead to clunky exposition. To avoid unnatural info dumping, think of backstory as significant history. It’s significant because it shows how the character came into the story with his or her particular desire or problem, and it’s related to the current situation.
[15:02] More Telling Than Showing
Rather than a direct approach, let actions, dialogue, and sensory details convey emotions. Use restraint in the telling and allow the scene to evoke your first person character’s feelings.
Links Mentioned In This Episode
Episode 69: How To Create Plot Continuity With Character Thought
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
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