Understanding the Basics of What is 3rd Person Narrative

Understanding the Basics of What is 3rd Person Narrative

Narrative writing is a popular form of writing that tells a story or conveys a message to the readers. Writing narratives can be in the first person point of view – where the narrator is the protagonist and says ‘I’, or the second person point of view – where the narrator address the reader directly with ‘you’, or the third person point of view – where the narrator is an outsider and uses ‘he’, ‘she’, ‘it’, or ‘they’ when referring to the characters in the story.

In this article, we will deep dive into what third person narrative is, how it is used, and what advantages it provides to the readers.

What is 3rd Person Narrative?

Third person narrative is a form of writing where the writer tells the story from outside the story itself. The narrator is not a character in the story but observes and reports what is happening to the characters in the story. In this kind of narrative, the reader can see the situation from a distance and look into the thoughts and emotions of the character being described.

How is Third Person Narrative Used?

Third person narrative is used in a variety of writing styles – from novels, short stories to biographies, and memoirs. It is widely used in fiction because it lends itself to creating a distance between the reader and the events in the story. However, the use of third person narrative can give the writer an opportunity to express thoughts and feelings within the story that the characters themselves do not express.

Advantages of Third Person Narrative

One of the key advantages of third person narrative is the ability to present a story from more than one viewpoint. By presenting the story from the viewpoint of different characters, the writer can provide a broader perspective on the situation. This can help the readers gain a clearer understanding of the events unfolding in the story.

Additionally, third person narrative allows for greater flexibility in storytelling and character development. The writer can describe events in the context of larger themes while still keeping a distance from the characters. This allows for a deeper exploration of the themes and ideas that the writer wants to convey.

Examples of Third Person Narrative

One prominent example of the use of third person narrative is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The narrator describes the events in the lives of the characters and presents their thoughts and emotions from an objective point of view. In this way, the writer can maintain a level of detachment from the characters while still providing insight into their personalities and motives.

Another example of third person narrative is George R.R. Martin’s series A Song of Ice and Fire. In this epic fantasy series, the writer shifts between the viewpoints of numerous characters to provide a multifaceted view of the events occurring in the story. The use of third-person narrative allows Martin to explore complex themes and topics without getting bogged down in any one character’s viewpoint.

Conclusion

In conclusion, third person narrative is a valuable tool for writers who want to explore complex themes and ideas. By presenting the story from a distance, the writer can develop the characters and plot in nuanced ways that would not be possible with other narrative forms. While it takes some getting used to, third person narrative provides readers with a unique perspective that can make for compelling and engaging storytelling.