Why Third Person Objective Point of View Might Be the Key to Better Writing

Why Third Person Objective Point of View Might Be the Key to Better Writing

As a writer, it’s important to think deeply about the point of view you choose for your work. The way you present your story or information can have a huge impact on how readers perceive it. One option that often gets overlooked is third person objective, but it might be exactly what you need to take your writing to the next level.

What is Third Person Objective?

To understand third person objective, it’s helpful to know the other common points of view used in writing. First person is when the narrator is one of the characters in the story, telling it from their own perspective (“I went to the store”). Second person is much less common and addresses the reader directly (“You went to the store”). Finally, there’s third person, which can be either omniscient (the narrator knows everything about every character) or limited (the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character).

Third person objective is a subset of limited third person where the narrator doesn’t know any of the characters’ thoughts or feelings. Instead, they simply describe what happens in a neutral, unbiased way. For example, “He opened the door and walked into the room” without any commentary on why or how the character is feeling.

Why Use Third Person Objective?

While it might seem counterintuitive to deliberately avoid delving into the minds of your characters, there are several benefits to using third person objective.

First of all, it can help you avoid common pitfalls of other points of view. For example, with first person, it’s easy to fall into the trap of making every character sound the same or relying on clumsy phrases like “I saw” or “I heard”. Second person can come off as gimmicky or off-putting to readers who don’t feel engaged by the narrator’s voice. And with omniscient third person, it can be difficult to avoid head-hopping (switching between characters’ perspectives without warning).

Third person objective, on the other hand, allows for a clear, straightforward narrative that doesn’t distract from the story. It can also help you avoid unintentional bias or assumptions, letting the reader draw their own conclusions about the characters and events. Plus, it can be a fun challenge to write in a way that conveys emotion and meaning solely through action and dialogue.

Examples of Third Person Objective in Literature

While it might not be as common as other points of view, third person objective has been used to great effect in many classic and contemporary works of literature. The following are a few examples:

– Ernest Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants” is a short story told entirely through dialogue and description, with no insight into the characters’ thoughts or feelings.
– J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” is another example of a novel that uses third person objective, allowing the protagonist’s actions and words to reveal his state of mind instead of relying on internal monologue.
– More recent examples include “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy and “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.

Conclusion

While third person objective might not be the right choice for every piece of writing, it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a way to streamline your narrative, avoid clichés, and challenge yourself as a writer. By focusing on action and dialogue instead of internal thoughts and emotions, you might find that you’re able to create a more compelling, immersive reading experience for your audience.