Jul 2021
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Jul 2021
Jul 2021
NinaWrites
Jul '21

So I'm currently drafting a litrpg/gamer story (novel). I was looking at the pros and cons of writing in first person or third person and now im sort of stuck.

Originally, I was thinking of writing in first person for my MC and third person when I'm writing from a different character's perspective.

Or maybe I should make it all third person?

Its going to be highlighting the MC survival and thier thoughts so I thought maybe first person would work well for the genre... but im not too sure. I would love to hear your thoughts. I wrote the first chapter both in first person and third person.... first person - the MC is definitely more whiny-er. Hahaha.

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    Jul '21

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    Jul '21
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Ranty-cat
Jul '21
1

I accept writers generally incline toward first individual perspective for different reasons, however third individual all-knowing is my style, and I just feel happy with composing this way notwithstanding every one of the admonitions and advices from specialists.

Kaydreamer
Jul '21

I definitely don't think you should hop between first and third person, that could be really jarring. Especially since your writing style may well be quite different between the two - in first person, you're writing in your characters 'voice', while in third person, you're writing in your own narrative voice.

NinaWrites
Jul '21

I should've been more clear.

I won't be hopping from first to third within the same chapter and it will certainly not be first person MC then switch to third person MC.

The perspective will have its own chapter.

The first person would be the MC and the third person is supporting casts.

Now, as long as I don't hop heads - I may be able to pull it off. But yes, I could understand what you mean about switching from first to third can be jarring for readers - especially because taspastic is episodic.

Plus I don't think I'm technically skilled enough to pull it off.. not yet at least :slight_smile:

inubasket
Jul '21

Would it be feasible in your work to have the main story be in all 3rd person, but then occasionally have 1st person "journal entries" from the MC every now and then? Because I've seen that before & it worked just fine!

The only problem I've seen when authors switch between these POV's in general is that often times, everything written in the 1st person ends up just reiterating, from an MC's perspective, what was already written previously in the 3rd person... and this can get kind of boring. But if you use these 1st person POV "entries" sparingly & they actually add to the story, I don't see any issues!

NinaWrites
Jul '21

Yes I know exactly what you mean! As an avid fanfic reader - I do see that happen - the reiterating that is.

I guess because it's an litrpg - my mind immediately jumps to first person. But, i want to be able to explore different character's perspective so perhaps third person might work the best? The narrator will mainly follow the MC and will only switch to secondary or even tertiary character if the plot needs it.

Sorry, I'm just thinking- rather- writing out loud :slight_smile:

Ranty-cat
Jul '21

Actually, I was also planning on going 1st person POV in some rare chapters to flesh the characters out a bit.

NinaWrites
Jul '21

I mean a good example is probably the beginning after the end. I know the writer have dedicated chapters for secondary characters.

Ranty-cat
Jul '21

Haha.
This game also makes me wonder how it would be if I used second person pov. Since these games use second person POV, I feel more immersed.

mrsubhanshud0
Jul '21

Hmm, that's a common question among the writers.
Let me explain it to you in short.
When I started writing my novel, I started it in the first person. Things were going smoothly in the first few chapters since the main focus was the main character. But as I started writing the main story, things went wrong. I wasn't able to express other character's thoughts and since all of it was from the POV of the main character, it was really hard to get an overview of both sides.
So if you are a beginner(don't have years of experience), the third person is recommended since it's easier to follow through and many famous authors write their stories in that way.
If you are a professional (experienced), then you can choose any of the two.

Hope it helps :smiley:

NinaWrites
Jul '21

I am definitely not a skilled writer... not to be self-deprecating but, objectively speaking, my technical skills is not high right now.

I started to lean towards a third POV the more I listen to other people's reply :slight_smile: thank you!

chestnutriceeee
Jul '21

You should consider how your story is. Is it heavily plot-driven? Then try going for the third person. Are your characters the main spice in your story? Go for first-person and switch between the characters.

My story is heavily centered on tricks and schemes so I usually go for first-person and switch the POV between characters quite a bit. From the main character, the support, and even the person who the tricks and schemes are being played on. Had I done all this in third person then it wouldn't have been any fun to read.

Most LitRPGs tend to go for first-person because their stories move based on the choices their characters make. Maybe they are reincarnated in a game and know too much about it? Maybe they are masters of the grind? Or, maybe they are just witty in general? It will be difficult to express these things in third person without filling it with text but becomes much easier in first person.

Similarly, if your character is comparatively impassive and the story only moves because of how they interact with others, one won't be able to write it in first person naturally.

If you consider what kind of story you are writing, choosing the right perspective will come naturally! All the best!