Understanding the differences between first, second, and third-person points of view is fundamental to grasping how narratives are constructed. The difference between each point of view lies in how a story or information is narrated, particularly in terms of the narrator’s perspective and relationship to the events. Let’s learn more about them.
➊ First-person
- This perspective uses “I,” “me,” “we,” and “us.”
- The narrator is a character within the story, sharing their own experiences and thoughts.
- It creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, allowing readers to connect deeply with the narrator’s perspective.
Example story in first-person
I woke up to the sound of rain tapping against my window, a steady rhythm that matched the pounding in my chest. Last night’s argument with Sam still echoed in my mind—his sharp words cutting deeper than I’d expected. I rolled out of bed, my bare feet hitting the cold floor, and shuffled to the kitchen for coffee. Through the fogged-up glass, I saw the world outside blurred and gray, like my thoughts, and I wondered if I’d ever find the courage to say what I really meant.
➋ Second-person
- This perspective uses “you.”
- It directly addresses the reader, making them feel like a character in the story.
- It’s less common in traditional narratives but is often used in instructional writing, choose-your-own-adventure stories, and some experimental fiction.
Example story in second-person
You wake to the sound of rain drumming against your window, a restless beat that mirrors the unease twisting in your gut. The memory of last night’s fight with Sam lingers—his words slicing through you like a knife you didn’t see coming. You swing your legs out of bed, the chill of the floor jolting you awake, and stumble toward the kitchen for coffee. Peering through the misty window, you see a world smudged in gray, and you can’t help but wonder if you’ll ever muster the guts to speak your truth.
➌ Third-person
- This perspective uses “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” “him,” “her,” and “them.”
- The narrator is an outside observer, telling the story from an external viewpoint.
- Third-person can be further divided:
- Third-person limited: The narrator focuses on the thoughts and feelings of a single character.
- Third-person omniscient: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
- Third person objective: The narrator reports actions and dialogue without delving into the thoughts or feelings of any characters, offering a detached viewpoint.
Example story in third-person
She awoke to the gentle patter of rain against her window, a soft cadence that echoed the tension still simmering in her chest. The argument with Sam from the night before replayed in her mind—his biting words leaving wounds she hadn’t anticipated. She slipped out of bed, her feet meeting the cold floor with a shiver, and made her way to the kitchen for coffee. Gazing through the steamed-up window, she saw a gray, indistinct world outside, and a quiet question lingered: would she ever find the strength to voice what truly weighed on her heart?
Summary
- First person = speaker (I/we).
- Second person = listener/reader (you).
- Third person = someone/something else (he/she/it/they).
