Combining First and Third person - Writers Forum

Zermonth · 02-08-2006, 08:27 AM

What are everyone's thoughts on combining first and third person into the same novel? The piece I'm working on works better if it's written in first person, as I would like to preserve the thoughts of some of the characters in most of the scenes. I do think, however, that it would do the plot some justice to include some third-person scenes to reveal what some of the characters are like when the main character isn't there.

Is this beyond the normal standard, or is it acceptable?

Straylight · 02-08-2006, 09:14 AM

I've written 2 novels using the technique. They're not published, but I've never subbed them either. None of my readers have ever had a problem with the jump between 1st and 3rd person. As long as your MC doesn't show up in a 3rd person scene, you should be fine.

~SL

Stewart · 02-08-2006, 09:23 AM

It's not necessarily bad. At the moment, I'm trying to think of an example but the only one that comes to mind is Iain Banks' Complicity which has second and third person narratives. It works, to a degree.

But, the golden rule, is do what you want and then review whether it is working as you go.

aisha · 02-08-2006, 12:41 PM

I use this style often - it will and does work. Just be careful of a conflicting scene that may be crucial to the story, try writing from both 1st and 3rd person, and see which actually does work best for the reader. Quite often I've been surprised.
Good luck!

simon woodhouse · 02-08-2006, 01:02 PM

The Insult by Rupert Thompson uses this technique. The first half of the book is in first person, then there's a clear break and you get about a third in third person, then the last little bit jumps back to first again (I think that's how it goes, I haven't read it for a couple of years).

I think it works because it's obvious where the change takes place. Also, the first person section is set in the present, whereas the third person chunk is recalling something that happened years ago.