Which point of view do you prefer to read/should I use?

Question

I'm writing a novel, and while I don't quite have an audience in mind yet, I suspect it's going to end up as a Young Adult novel. That being said: All of you "young adults" out there: Which point of view do you prefer to read in?

Also, For all of you "first person" lovers: I'm toying with the idea having each chapter start out with a blog/diary entry written by whichever character is at the focus of that chapter, the topic of which will be linked to what's going to happen in that chapter (for instance, if chapter 4 deals with a character having a fight with another character who was hostile towards them in chapter 3, the "preface blog entry" for Chapter 4 would be them talking about how they are worried and confused about how this character has acted towards them) ...if you were reading a third person story, would that be a good way to achieve that "personal" feel that is sometimes missing from a third person narrative? Or would it just seem like a waste of time?

I'm having trouble deciding which point of view to use in the story I'll be writing. As I've been plotting it out, I'm seeing that third person may be the way to go, as I have three (potentially four) main characters, and I just don't think that I would be able to adequately develop all three (or four; one of my minor characters has taken on a life of his own) characters in the way that I'm wanting to...you see, they end up being friends, but when they first meet, their perceptions of each other are MUCH different than how they ACTUALLY are...thus, being able to explore multiple points of view would make it worlds easier to show that dynamic.

Suffice it to say....I'm confused. Any advice folks?

Answer 1

If it's third person you favor, go for it. And I must say that this would probably be a wise decision, because first person (in my opinion..) is typically for kids, because it's easier to read, and they don't have to deal with all of the character's opinions and feelings coming in together.



And third person is much easier to write when getting everyone's views, because it's not one particular character telling the story. This way you don't have to write individual chapters for each character's POV.





Sally was in complete and utter shock. To think that she would be in this type of situation where she would have to choose sides was almost inconceivable to her. She was overwhelmed with feelings of rage and confusion.

Yet Bob had no conflicting feelings. His mind was set on arguing, whether or not it solved anything. So much anger had been piled up within him that once it was unleashed, the feelings continued to spill without pause. All he knew is that he was right, and Sally was wrong.



Alright, not the best example, but you see where I'm getting at? You don't have to write pages for each character in third person.

Answer 2

I'm a young adult, I think... I'm in my early teens. Does that count? Anyway, I am an avid reader and writer (although I'm not published, of course, I'm too young and shy with my work) and I know what I like in a story.



I definitely prefer first person, because it is more personal. However, I despise reading through a character's blog entries or journal or diary or whatever. It is boring and annoying, and is just not the same. I really enjoy first person because you get a better insight into the character's life. However, my main reason for liking it is hard to explain... I guess the person's character seems so much more real. The character can be funny, sarcastic, shy, mean, sweet, whatever--but in third person, their personality is just so much less vibrant. I feel sort of detached from them, and their emotions.



Anyway, you can develop the characters, even if there are several. If you really get into their worlds, even little details will reveal a lot about the characters. Just make sure you don't ping-pong between characters--please start a new chapter every time you switch to another person's POV. (That applies whether or not it is first-person--third-person POV stories that flip between characters every two paragraphs are the bane of my existence.)



Hope this helps! Good luck with your writing!



P.S. An added bonus of first person POV? If the reader hates the character's name, it won't matter, because they won't notice it very often.

Answer 3

My favorite is 3rd person limited (sometimes called close 3rd person POV). You can do multiple 3rd limited POVs as well. Just split the characters up by chapter or scene break.



I don't like the blog entry idea for two reasons. One, 3rd person POV can be just as personal as 1st if you do it right and two, you will end up repeating things. If a person reads the blog entry about how Character One is confused and hurt because of a fight and then you go on to describe the fight in the chapter, it is simply repetitive.

Answer 4

As a 'young adult' I'm not really feeling the blog entry so much.



For the narration, I prefer first person. I really feel like I'm the character. Maybe from chapter to chapter your could change who is narrating. In certain scenes you be narrating it from third person to get all the action in. If you do take that route, please indicate who's narrating in the chapter title, or else you'll get one confused reader!



Anyway, I hope I was of help. Happy writing to you!

Answer 5

I'm one of the many people I know know who prefer first person, but there are still some who prefer third person instead. It really depends on how good your writing is, if you feel you have the skill to switch the character each chapter and still write a clear story, first person would be much greater for capturing a certain mood. Third person limited would still be efficient, whereas third person ominous would be tougher. Personally, I think first person would be the best.

Answer 6

I see trouble. But if you really want to try, the thing to do is to ask her out on a date. If that doesn't work, well, move on. Conversation doesn't mean SQUAT! Girls who haven't the slightest bit of interest in you will often spend HOURS on the phone talking to you. That's why talking on the phone is generally a waste of time. And you shouldn't be waiting for this girl if she has a boyfriend either. If she's single, ask her out. If that doesn't work, she probably doesn't like you anymore. Good night! OH NO! Don't tell her how you feel in any case! Just ask her out and leave it at that. The more you confess your feelings so soon, the worse it will be for you. You have to hold back or you will creep her out and make her lose respect for you.