The Pros and Cons of Third Person Writing: Everything You Need to Know

The Pros and Cons of Third Person Writing: Everything You Need to Know

Writing in the third person is common in literature, academic writing, and even journalism. It can offer several benefits, such as providing a more objective viewpoint and giving readers insight into multiple perspectives. However, it also has drawbacks, such as less emotional connection and a potential lack of authenticity. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of third person writing and what you need to know before using it.

What is Third Person Writing?

Third person writing is when a narrator tells a story using pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they.” Think of it as an outside perspective looking in, with the narrator referring to characters by their names or pronouns. This style of writing is different from first-person writing, where the narrator is a character using “I” or “we,” and second-person writing, where the narrator speaks directly to the reader as “you.”

The Pros of Third Person Writing

1. Objectivity: Third person writing can provide a more objective viewpoint. By not being inside a character’s head, the narrator can provide a neutral account of events, and readers can draw their conclusions.

For instance, in a murder mystery, the author may use third person narration to provide readers with clues and descriptions of characters without revealing the identity of the killer. This approach allows readers to piece together the evidence and try to solve the mystery themselves.

2. Multiple perspectives: Third person writing provides a broader perspective, allowing readers to understand different characters’ thoughts and motivations.

For example, in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective, giving readers insight into their inner thoughts and feelings. This approach makes the characters more complex and enhances the overall story.

3. Flexibility: Third person writing has more flexibility than first or second person writing. It allows writers to switch between different characters’ perspectives, creating a more dynamic narrative.

The Cons of Third Person Writing

1. Less Emotional Connection: Third person writing can create a distance between readers and characters, making it difficult to empathize with or connect emotionally to them.

For instance, in Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea,” the narrator describes the old man’s struggles in third person. It creates a sense of detachment, making it challenging for readers to become emotionally invested in the character’s journey.

2. Lack of Authenticity: Third person writing can sometimes feel less authentic than first person writing. By not being inside a character’s head, the narrator may miss some of the nuances of their feelings and thoughts.

For example, in a personal essay about a traumatic experience, first person writing may provide a more authentic and emotional account of events than third person.

When to Use Third Person Writing

Third person writing is most commonly used in academic writing and fiction, but it can also have a place in journalism and business writing.

In academic writing, third person writing is preferred for academic essays, research papers, and other scholarly work. It provides a more objective approach and a neutral account of the information being presented.

In fiction, third person writing can be used to develop complex characters, provide multiple perspectives, and create a more dynamic story.

In journalism, third person writing can be used in news articles or feature stories where the reporter is not involved in the story. It allows the reporter to provide a neutral account of the events, without inserting their opinions.

In business writing, third person writing can be used to create a more formal, professional tone, such as in a company profile or business proposal.

Conclusion

In summary, third person writing can provide a more objective viewpoint, multiple perspectives, and more flexibility than first or second person writing. However, it can also create a distance between readers and characters, making it difficult to empathize with them, and may lack the authenticity of first person writing. When considering using third person writing, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of this style and choose the best approach for your writing project.

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