Understanding First Person Point of View: Definition and Examples

Understanding First Person Point of View: Definition and Examples

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie where the character narrates the story using “I” or “we”? That’s an example of first-person point of view (POV). In literature and film, POV plays a critical role in shaping the reader’s perception about a character or event. Understanding first-person POV is essential for writers, filmmakers, and readers alike. In this article, we’ll define first-person POV and explore some examples.

Definition of First Person Point of View

First-person POV is a narrative style where the story’s protagonist or a character closely linked to them tells the story using “I” or “we.” It’s a common narrative device used in literature, film, and video games.

In first-person POV, the narrator is a participant in the story, and their point of view is subjective. Unlike third-person POV, where the narrator is an observer and not part of the story, the first-person narrator can provide more insight into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Let’s take a look at an example.

First Person Point of View Example

“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger is an excellent example of first-person point of view. The story is narrated by Holden Caulfield, the protagonist, who uses “I” throughout the entire book.

Holden’s first-person narration allows readers to see the story’s events and characters exclusively from his point of view. We get to see his thoughts, emotions, and experiences, which sheds light on why he behaves the way he does.

While first-person POV can provide a deeper understanding of the narrator, it does come with limitations. For example, the readers can’t see or experience anything outside of the narrator’s perspective.

Advantages and Disadvantages of First Person Point of View

First-person POV has its advantages and disadvantages in literature, film, and video games.

Advantages:

– It provides a deeper understanding of the protagonist’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
– It creates a sense of intimacy between the narrator and the reader/viewer.
– It allows for a unique narrative voice that sets the story apart.

Disadvantages:

– It can be limiting since the readers/viewers can’t experience anything outside of the protagonist’s perspective.
– It can be hard to create a reliable narrator, as first-person POV lends itself to bias and subjectivity.
– It can be challenging to show, not tell, using first-person POV.

First Person Point of View in Film

First-person POV is used less frequently in film than literature, but some notable examples include “The Blair Witch Project” and “Chronicle.” These movies use found footage-style filmmaking to immerse the viewers in the protagonist’s perspective.

In “The Blair Witch Project,” the movie is presented as a documentary with footage recovered from a lost hiking trip. The camera is held by the characters, making the viewers feel like they’re experiencing the events firsthand.

In “Chronicle,” a found-footage movie about three teenagers who gain superpowers, the narrative is presented through the protagonist’s camera. It creates a sense of immersion and allows viewers to experience the story from the character’s perspective.

Conclusion

First-person point of view is an essential tool for writers, filmmakers, and readers/viewers. It provides a deeper understanding of the protagonist’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences and creates a unique narrative voice. However, it does come with limitations, such as bias and subjectivity, and can be challenging to show, not tell. Understanding first-person POV is crucial for those who want to create and appreciate excellent literature, film, and other forms of storytelling.