Writing a novel - First or Third?

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Tiger's Eye

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I've been writing this book in third person so far, but I'm beginning to wonder if it would be better in first person. Essentially, I'm looking for an educated opinion, based on the following:

1. My main character has a very long and complicated backstory which will not be explained in a prologue or anything like that. Which point of view would be more convenient to have the character reveal the elements of this backstory?

2. I have more than one character, and I would prefer if I could be able to switch between them, though this isn't necessary.

3. All of my characters are rather complex with regards to opinions, emotions and personality. Which point of view would be best to explain this?

And lastly, I'd like opinions on which POV is better, and which one is easier to write, according to personal preference

Thanks in advance!

~Tiger
 
Write in the third. That seems the best for the type of story you have right now.

BK
 
I believe that first person is not only easier to write, but it gives more detail.

Instead of saying something like "Her fury was emense and she couldn't contain it," you could have her feelings. You could really dive into her mind and write what she felt. I believe writing in first person helps because everyone has experienced a wide range of emotions and we know what it is like. It is easier to write that way, and I believe it much more descriptive.

First person also helps because this person can have flash backs while narrating to easily describe something like where a fear came from. If she is scared of heights, maybe that is because she had a bad childhood experience, and writing in first person could help make flash backs and details easier to describe.

Opinions are very hard to write in third person to me. I find it easier to let my mind take over and let them really express their deep opinions in first person. If writing in third person limited, it is very hard to know what another person is feeling or thinking about something. It is easier in third person omniscient, but first person helps get connected better.

Point of view would be easier in third person omniscient if you wanted to have every character's point of view, but to write in first person, I believe sensory details would be clearer. You can tell a difference (I think) when you write like this:

"She stepped outside and the morning air brushed her face with the salty brine of the ocean. Gulls called to each other and she smiled brightly as the sand slid between her toes."

and...

"I stepped outside and the morning air brushed my face with that salty brine of the ocean I love. I listened to the gulls calling to each other and it made me swell inside to hear their happiness. I couldn't help but smile as the sand slid between my toes."

The difference can be seen between each point of view, but no matter what you do, I am sure it will be wonderful!

I hope this helps!
 
It depends. I really like first person better.

1. If she/he does have a backstory like that, it would definitely be easier to use first person because now-and-then you could even do a flashback with the main character.

2. Then just do that. Like in the book "The Named" by Marianne Curley and "Aurelia" by Anne Osterlund, both authors switch back-and-forth between two or more people's points of views between chapters.

3. Definitely first person. Enough said.

4. Well, it's three for three here. I think you should switch to first person, but pick two or three people's perspectives to switch back-and-forth between so you have more variety.

I hope this helps and I wasn't just babbling.

~~MP
 
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