Different Forms of Narration

First Person: Straight forward form of writing. Choose one character and tell the story through their point of view only. Think of One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. We get to know Chief Bromden really well, but everything we know about Nurse Ratched and McMurphy is through his own perspective. 

Example: I had no idea, but when I finally put on the mask and cape again, I felt as though new energy rushed into my veins. I was no longer just Bruce Wayne; I was the Dark Knight. Right then I heard the door open and there was Alfred. He told me in his usual, skeptical voice that my favorite TV show was about to begin: Vampire Diaries. If I was going to defeat Bane, I would need a restful night with my favorite form of entertainment. I’ll save the city tomorrow.

What can benefit the writer when using this form of narration? What can be difficult because of it?

Third Person: When the story or narrative is told from a point of view that is from an outsider’s perspective. There are three different forms of this narration:

·         Third Person Limited: When the narrator is a third party and not an actual character in the story (think of it like a fly on the wall). But the “third person limited” means that this narrator will sometimes give insight as to what one character might be feeling or thinking, but none of the other characters: The focal character’s thoughts and feelings are revealed through the narrator:

Example: Bruce Wayne had not put on the cape and mask for many years, and he felt weary of picking them up again. But once he looked in the mirror and saw the Dark Knight looking back into his own eyes, he knew that he was destined to fight for Gotham city again. Right then, Alfred came into the room and told Bruce, in a hesitant voice, that Vampire Diaries was on. The news brought joy to Bruce’s ears as he decided to take the night off and fight Bane tomorrow.

What can benefit the writer when using this form of narration? What can be difficult because of it?

·         Third Person Omniscient: is when the narrator is still that fly on the wall, explaining the story through an outsider’s point of view. Only this time, the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters in the story. All the characters’ thoughts and feeling are revealed through the narrator (think of Fried Green Tomatoes or Harry Potter).

Example: Bruce Wayne had not put on the cape and mask for many years, and he felt weary of picking them up again. But once he looked in the mirror and saw the Dark Knight looking back into his own eyes, he knew that he was destined to fight for Gotham city again. Right then, Alfred came into the room. Feeling slightly embarrassed over the fact that Bruce had his Batman utility belt on backwards, Alfred approached Master Wayne and delivered some important news: Vampire Diaries was about to begin. Although Alfred was a bigger fan of Pretty Little Liars, he decided that he could withstand the drama and suspense of the popular CW show for the night.

Third Person Objective: The narrator is again a “fly on the wall” and reports the events and story from an outside perspective. Only this time, the narrator does not share any of the feelings or thoughts that pass through a character’s mind. The reader must come to their own conclusions based on the objective information that is being revealed to them.

Example: Bruce Wayne picked up the cape and mask and stared at it for a long time. He finally fitted the masked to his face and draped the cape over his slouching shoulders. He paused and looked into the mirror. As a smile began to emerge over his mouth, the door opened as Alfred walked slowly toward the Dark Knight before coming to a complete stop. Alfred’s eyes widened. “Vampire Diaries is about to begin.” He said quietly, “Should I get the popcorn?”

What can benefit the writer when using this form of narration? What can be difficult because of it?