Writing Tip: Writing In First Person
First person narrative gets us right inside the perspective character’s mind. We get to hang out with their thoughts, emotions, and experiences for the entire story, which can be super immersive when done well. Rather than simply observing from the outside, it makes us connect not only with the character but with their world.
Let’s break down ways to use first person narrative, discuss what makes it work, and see how some great books do it well.
Seeing Through the Protagonist’s Eyes
So, what’s first person? It’s telling the whole story through the protagonist's perspective, using "I" and "me." This point of view gives readers a front-row seat to the character's inner world, making the story feel more personal and immediate.
Why Use First Person?
As a writer, there are many reasons we might choose to tell our story in first person perspective. Usually, though, we do it for the closeness it creates. Readers tend to form a strong emotional connection as a result of being on our character’s thoughts, which draws them deeper into our world alongside the protagonist.
When Is It Used?
We can use first person for any story in theory, but there are certain stories and genres which may work best with this perspective. Most young adult fiction these days seems to be written in first person because it gives us that feeling of immediacy which is common with that stage of life and the plot elements typical to the genre. If we want to limit the reader’s access to information, it’s helpful to have them in the protagonist’s mind the entire time, as they will only know what the protagonist knows. And even then, it’s filtered through the protagonist’s perception of those things. This highlights another time first person is a good choice, which is when we want to have an unreliable narrator. If the only perspective we’re getting is this singular character, the entire story is fully dependent on their perceptions, which includes their limitations.
Regardless of genre, first person is a great option when we want immediacy and intimacy.
Examples of First Person Narrative in Literature
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I know I’ve used this one as an example before for other posts, but Salinger nails first person narrative by letting us dive into Holden Caulfield’s mind—a teenager who’s disillusioned with life. Through Holden’s eyes, we feel his angst and confusion, making the story a raw and relatable look at youth and alienation.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Hawkins mixes things up by giving us first person perspectives from multiple characters. This creates a psychological thriller where each character’s viewpoint adds another piece to the puzzle. It’s a clever way to keep readers on their toes. (Note: multiple first person POV characters can be a challenge unless you make their voices distinct, which I’ll touch on in a bit.)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Collins uses first person narrative from Katniss Everdeen’s perspective, which lets us experience the brutal world of the Hunger Games right alongside her. The immediacy of her voice makes the story even more intense and gripping.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Through Nick Carraway’s first person narration, we join him as he navigates the extravagance and moral decay of the 1920s. Nick’s reflections make the narrative both a personal story and a commentary on the times.
First Person Reading Challenge
Of course, there are countless other examples of first person POV in literature, and I encourage you to skim through your book collection. Find one you love that’s in first person and hold onto it. Really—go grab the book and keep it with you. There’s an exercise at the end for writers who want to dive into this a little bit more.
Keys For Successful First Person POV
Distinct Voice: Your protagonist needs a unique voice. Whether they’re a teenager who speaks with lots of slang or a no-nonsense detective, their voice should reflect who they are and make the story feel authentic.
Dive Deep: Use first person to really explore your character’s inner world. Let readers in on their fears, desires, and struggles. This is your chance to show character growth up close and personal.
Pace Yourself with Details: Don’t give everything away at once. First person is subjective, so your protagonist might not know everything. Use this to your advantage to build suspense and keep readers guessing.
Keep Readers Hooked: First person can make readers feel like they’re part of the story. Use that "I" perspective to draw them into the protagonist’s emotional journey, making them feel every twist and turn.
Book Study Challenge
If you’re a writer who wants to understand first person POV even more, there’s no better way to learn than by studying those who have already done it before, and done it well. Just a minute ago I suggested you pull a book from your own collection. Make sure it’s one written in first person. Your challenge is to read the book, marking key points where the first person perspective benefits the story. It can be a single line of interiority, or a scene that only works because we’re in the protagonist’s head. How does it help you connect more with the character, the plot, or the world?
In the same spirit, mark the parts where you notice you’re in first person in a way that disrupts your reading experience. What about it makes it hard for you to stay in the story?
Bonus: Pick a standout scene from the book. Maybe choose a paragraph or two where you really feel connected to what’s happening. Now, rewrite that scene in third person. Compare the two. What do you notice about the original (first person) versus the new (third person) scene? Does it carry the same impact? Does it improve or disrupt the connection you felt to the story?
By noting the differences between what works for you and what doesn’t, you can begin to apply that to your own work.
In the end, first person perspective is all about letting readers step into the protagonist’s shoes and join them on their journey. By getting the hang of this perspective and learning from some standout examples, we can create stories that really hit home.
Happy Writing!
