What is First Person? A Beginner’s Guide

Writing is all about expressing oneself. Whether it’s creating a fictional world or reporting on real-life events, writers often use a variety of styles to convey their message. One such style is writing in the first person. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the concept of first person and how it can be used effectively in writing.

Introduction

The expression “first person” refers to the grammatical point of view employed when a writer tells a story from his or her perspective. It is an essential concept in narrative writing. If you have ever read a story where the protagonist tells you his or her story, you’ve read something written in the first person. In this guide, we will take a closer look at first-person writing, its pros and cons, and how it can be effectively used.

What is First Person Writing?

First person writing refers to a style where the author tells a story as though it is happening from their perspective. The writer uses “I,” “me,” “we,” and “us” to describe events as they happen. It is the most common point of view in storytelling and is often used in creative writing, personal essays, and autobiographical works.

While writing in the first person, the author shares not only what happens but also their opinions, thoughts, and feelings on the matter. This brings a level of intimacy to the reader; they get to know the author and their worldview better.

The Pros and Cons of Writing in the First Person

Writing in the first person has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the primary benefits include:

– Personal touch: First-person writing offers a unique personal touch as you are sharing your experiences through your perspective. This can create a more engaging and relatable experience for readers.
– Emotional connection: Sharing personal thoughts, emotions, and opinions through first-person writing can form an emotional connection with readers.
– Character Development: The first-person point of view allows for a deep insight into the protagonist’s personality and motives, which helps to build believable characters.

However, there are some drawbacks to writing in the first person, such as:

– Limited Perspective: The first-person point of view restricts the author to their viewpoint. This can limit the writer’s ability to introduce multiple perspectives into the story.
– Self-absorbed narrative: Over-reliance on the “I” perspective can become self-absorbed and create a monotonous narrative.

Examples of First Person Writing

Let’s look at some examples of first-person writing to get a better understanding.

– Fiction: J.D Salinger’s, The Catcher in the Rye is a classic example of first-person writing. Holden Caulfield shares his story and experiences with the reader.
– Memoirs: Nelson Mandela’s memoir, Long Walk to Freedom, is written in the first person. It gives a deep insight into the former South African president’s experiences and struggles.
– Personal Essays: In “The Death of My Father,” Joan Didion uses first-person writing to describe her emotions and thoughts as she deals with her father’s death.

Conclusion

First-person writing is an effective way to share personal experiences, emotions, and beliefs with the reader. It offers a personal touch and an emotional connection that can create an engaging and relatable experience. However, it can also be limiting and self-absorbed if overused. As always, proper usage is critical. With a proper balance of first-person perspective and an effective writing style, first-person writing can provide the reader with an unforgettable reading experience.