TECH: Stretching First Person
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writercisesFirst posted 3 April 2007
Without getting into the issue of whether first-person is a good choice or not, let's take a look at what James Scott Bell has to say in Writers Digest June 2004 on pages 21 and 22. The basic problem that James tackles is simple -- when I talk from my first-person point of view, I may have difficulty getting around the limitation of being stuck in my own perspective. So he proposes four different ways to stretch the first-person point of view.
First, to replace the cut to a different scene which raises readers wonderment about what happened in the original scene which is left usually at a cliffhanger, James proposes time delay. Simply end one chapter on a note of high tension, then let the first-person narrator start the next chapter with a digression, flashback, or some such delaying tactic. Then get back to what happened next. For example, James suggests:
Third, the ever popular dreams can help reveal the narrator's mind and the stakes that he/she confronts. Don't overdo them, but they're another tool in your toolbox.
Fourth, and final, as you know, Bob, you can have another character tell the first-person narrator about events. This may be a monologue or dialogue, but be careful about sudden momentary shift in points of view. It is very easy to have this slip over, and you need to be in control of the sliding.
So if you want the immediacy, empathy, intimacy and so forth that a first-person account brings with it, go ahead and try it. You can use these methods to help deal with the limitations that the first-person point of view also has. Use time delay to build suspense. Use imagination to describe a person can't see. Use dreams as a way to bring out the narrators inner concerns. Use those secondhand reports from other characters as a way to fill in. Some great detectives have depended on the reports of their assistants!
And, of course,if you need to, you can always go back and rewrite it in third person.
Write?
Without getting into the issue of whether first-person is a good choice or not, let's take a look at what James Scott Bell has to say in Writers Digest June 2004 on pages 21 and 22. The basic problem that James tackles is simple -- when I talk from my first-person point of view, I may have difficulty getting around the limitation of being stuck in my own perspective. So he proposes four different ways to stretch the first-person point of view.
First, to replace the cut to a different scene which raises readers wonderment about what happened in the original scene which is left usually at a cliffhanger, James proposes time delay. Simply end one chapter on a note of high tension, then let the first-person narrator start the next chapter with a digression, flashback, or some such delaying tactic. Then get back to what happened next. For example, James suggests:
I heard a shot. And a jolt to my chest. Hot blood stained my shirt.Second, you can replace third person description with first-person imagination. "I can picture them . . . " or even "in my imagination . . ." easily introduces a bit of description.
[next chapter]
When I was six, my father taught me a valuable lesson. "Son, " he said . . .
Third, the ever popular dreams can help reveal the narrator's mind and the stakes that he/she confronts. Don't overdo them, but they're another tool in your toolbox.
Fourth, and final, as you know, Bob, you can have another character tell the first-person narrator about events. This may be a monologue or dialogue, but be careful about sudden momentary shift in points of view. It is very easy to have this slip over, and you need to be in control of the sliding.
So if you want the immediacy, empathy, intimacy and so forth that a first-person account brings with it, go ahead and try it. You can use these methods to help deal with the limitations that the first-person point of view also has. Use time delay to build suspense. Use imagination to describe a person can't see. Use dreams as a way to bring out the narrators inner concerns. Use those secondhand reports from other characters as a way to fill in. Some great detectives have depended on the reports of their assistants!
And, of course,if you need to, you can always go back and rewrite it in third person.
Write?
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