For the past eleven years, I’ve worked on an online platform with a mix of projects, many of them from non-native English speakers. Today, I received a request to “put my article in third person.” It made me think that many people might not know the different points of view in writing. Let’s break them down!
What Is Point of View in Writing?
Point of view (POV) defines who tells the story and how they interact with the characters. It shapes the tone and depth of your narrative. The three main POVs are first, second, and third person.
First Person: Personal Perspective
First-person writing uses I or we, putting the narrator front and center. It’s all about their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It’s like you’re right there with them, living their life — for better or worse!
Example:
“I glanced at the old family photo on the wall. I noticed, in the frame’s reflection, someone standing behind me, holding a knife.”
This POV creates an intimate connection with the reader (and a sometimes scary one, too!), but you’re stuck in the narrator’s head. It’s like being on a rollercoaster — thrilling, but you can only see the ride from one seat.
Second Person: Direct Address
Second-person writing is the rare unicorn of storytelling, but it is most often found in non-fiction and choose-your-own-adventure stories. It uses you, directly addressing the reader. It’s like the author is speaking right to you — a bit like a motivational speaker telling you how awesome you are.
Example:
“You’re about to discover that dark chocolate is the superior choice.”
Second-person POV is interactive and pulls the reader in, but it’s not something you see every day. It’s like being pulled onto stage during a play — fun, but not for everyone.
I must interject here and say that I agree with the example above — dark chocolate is the only kind worth eating (do I hear an amen?).
Third Person: Objective Perspective
Third-person writing uses he, she, it, or they, giving an outside perspective. The narrator is like a fly on the wall, watching everyone and everything.
Example:
“She walked into the room like she owned it.”
Third-person writing gives the freedom to explore multiple characters’ thoughts, actions, and motivations. It’s like a camera zooming in and out, capturing the full picture of the story.
How Point of View Shapes Your Writing
The POV you choose dramatically influences how the reader experiences your story. First person is personal and intimate, third person gives you more flexibility and depth, and second person makes the reader part of the action.
Understanding the difference between first, second, and third person is key to writing with purpose. Each POV has its own vibe, so pick the one that best fits your story, and make it memorable.