Writing in the First Person
Point of View
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Are you a writer looking to add more life and emotion to your work? Using the first person point of view can help you do just that by bringing readers as close as possible to your point of view (POV) character. This writing style gives readers an intimate look into the thoughts and opinions—otherwise known as interiority—of your narrator. First person point of view creates a more personal connection between the reader and your story. Let's look at what makes this style such an effective narrative choice.
What Is the First Person Point of View?
First person point of view uses the pronouns “I” and “me” to refer to the narrator. In essence, the writer is writing as if they are the protagonist. There is very little, if any, separation between character and narrator. The first person point of view gives readers access to the narrator’s personal thoughts, feelings, and memories.
This kind of close connection to character allows readers to get a better sense of who your protagonist is as a character and make a connection with them on an emotional level. The first person point of view isn’t only available for fiction narrative, either. It is often seen in short stories, memoirs, biographies, or other works that require a lot of personal or authentic storytelling or writing voice. (First person point of view is essential to memoir, as you are writing as yourself here, so first person is expected.)
When You Should Use the First Person Point of View
There are a few situations where using the first person point of view can be particularly effective in your writing. For instance, if you want to give readers an intimate look into the mind of your protagonist or narrator, then this style is ideal. Also, if you are writing in a genre where you don’t need to create dramatic tension or irony, and the protagonist and reader know the same amount of information, the first person point of view is a strong choice. Your reader knows exactly as much as your character, and they are going on an immersive journey together.
If you want to create suspense or tension around certain events in your story by not revealing certain details until later on in the narrative, then you can really surprise readers and keep the protagonist in the dark. Finally, if you are looking to create an atmosphere where readers can truly empathize with your characters' emotions and experiences, then first person point of view is the gold standard.
Using first person point of view is an excellent way for writers to give their stories more life and emotion while fostering strong connections between their narrators and readers. Not only does first person point of view allow readers to get inside the minds of characters, otherwise called “interiority,” in ways that other writing styles cannot match, but it also helps create suspense and surprise. There are certain categories where first person point of view is more expected, also, like middle grade, young adult, women’s fiction, and romantic comedy.
If you want to add more depth and texture to your stories while engaging with your audience on a deeper level, then consider using the first person point of view for your next writing project.
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