Point of View in Writing: First, Second & Third Person Guide

Ever started a book and felt like the narrator was whispering in your ear? Or maybe they were standing back, guiding you through a world like an all-knowing tour guide?

That’s point of view (POV) in action.

It’s the lens through which a story is told. And choosing the right one? That’s like picking the right pair of glasses—too weak, and your reader won’t see the details. Too strong, and they’ll feel overwhelmed.

But don’t worry, we’re about to break it all down.

First, second, and third-persons point of view each bring something unique to the table. Some pull readers in close. Others keep a little distance. And one (yes, second person, we’re looking at you) is a bit of an oddball.

By the end of this, you’ll know exactly which POV fits your story best.

First-Person Point of View: Writing from Inside the Character’s Head

What is First-Person POV?

First-person POV is the “I” perspective. It’s the diary-entry voice, the confessional, the inner monologue.

When a book is written in first person, you experience everything through one character’s eyes.

Think of The Hunger Games. Katniss isn’t just telling you the story—she’s living it in real time. You see what she sees. You feel what she feels. If she doesn’t know something, you don’t either.

It’s like being inside someone’s head, but without the awkward realization that you forgot to mute your inner monologue at the grocery store.

Strengths of First-Person POV

So why do so many books use first-person?

• It’s personal. You’re inside the character’s head, so you feel their emotions deeply.
• It’s voice-driven. Ever read a book where the narrator’s personality jumps off the page? That’s first-person magic. (Hello, Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye).
• It makes the reader connect. When done well, first-person feels like a friend telling you a story over coffee.

Challenges of First-Person POV

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and immersive storytelling.

• It’s limited. Your narrator only knows what they know. If a murderer is lurking around the corner, they have no clue—unless they hear the creepy violin music.
• It can get too personal. Some characters have… let’s say exhausting inner thoughts. Spending an entire book inside their head can be a lot (looking at you, Bella Swan).
• Unreliable narrators exist. Ever read Gone Girl? Yeah. First-person lets authors lie to you through the narrator’s perspective. And sometimes, that’s the whole point.

When to Use First-Person POV

First-person works best when you want deep character connection.

But if you want to explore multiple perspectives? You might need to zoom out.

And that’s where third person comes in.

Second-Person Point of View: The Most Unusual Perspective

Now, let’s talk about the black sheep of the POV family—second-person.

This one doesn’t show up in most novels. But when it does? Oh boy, it makes an impact.

What is Second-Person POV?

Second-person POV uses “you” as the main character.

Instead of saying, “I walked into the dark alley,” or “He walked into the dark alley,” second-person says:

“You walk into the dark alley. The shadows stretch long, and the hairs on your neck rise. You wonder if this was a mistake.”

Congratulations. You’re in the story now. And also, you might be in danger.

This POV is rare in fiction, but it pops up in some interesting places. Ever read a Choose Your Own Adventure book? Those are all second-person.

It also appears in some experimental novels, like Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney. Oh, and if you’ve ever read a self-help book, you’ve definitely seen it:

“You are capable of achieving your dreams.”

Thanks, self-help book. Needed that.

Strengths of Second-Person POV

So why use second-person?

• It’s immersive. You’re the main character. No buffer. No middleman. Just you and the story.
• It feels immediate. Second-person pulls you in fast because it speaks directly to you.
• It’s unique. This POV is so rare that when a book does use it, people remember it.

And sometimes, it’s downright eerie. If you’ve ever played a video game where the narration says, “You open the door. You see something strange inside,” you know how unsettling that can be.

Challenges of Second-Person POV

But here’s the thing.

Second-person is hard to pull off.

• It can feel unnatural. Most readers aren’t used to being told what they’re doing in a story. Some might resist it.
• It’s hard to sustain. Writing an entire novel in second-person is tricky. It works better in short bursts—like short stories or experimental fiction.
• It doesn’t fit all genres. Imagine a high fantasy novel in second-person. “You raise your enchanted sword. You prepare to battle the dragon.” It might work… or it might feel like a weird Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

When to Use Second-Person POV

Second-person works best when you want your story to feel:
1. Immersive and direct.
2. Unique or experimental.
3. Interactive, like a game or self-help book.

If your story is about identity, choice, or introspection, this POV can be powerful.

But for most novels? You’re probably better off using first or third.

Speaking of third-person, let’s get into it.

Third-Person Point of View: The Most Versatile Perspective

Alright, now we’re in the land of third-person POV—the go-to choice for many authors.

Why? Because it’s like the Swiss Army knife of storytelling. It can do everything.

What is Third-Person POV?

Third-person uses “he,” “she,” “they,” or character names instead of “I” or “you.”

So instead of:

First-person: I walked into the abandoned house.

Or Second-person: You walk into the abandoned house.

You get Third-person: She walked into the abandoned house, her footsteps echoing on the wooden floor.

See? A little more distance, but still effective.

And the best part? There are different types of third-person POV.

The Three Types of Third-Person POV

1. Third-Person Limited (AKA: “Follow That One Character”)

This one sticks close to a single character’s perspective.

You only know what they know, feel what they feel, and see the world through their eyes—just like first-person, but without using “I.”

Example? Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

We follow Harry’s experiences, but the narration still refers to him as “he.”

Why use it?

• Gives readers deep connection to one character.
• Keeps mystery alive since we only know what they know.

Potential problem?

• You can’t jump into other characters’ heads. If another character is secretly the villain, you won’t know until the protagonist does.

2. Third-Person Omniscient (AKA: “The All-Knowing God Mode”)

This one lets the narrator know everything.

They see inside every character’s head. They know everyone’s thoughts, emotions, and even details the characters themselves don’t know.

Example? Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen’s narrator isn’t tied to just one character—she hops between perspectives like a literary ninja.

Why use it?

• Lets you explore multiple viewpoints.
• Great for big, epic stories (think Lord of the Rings).

Potential problem?

• If you’re not careful, head-hopping can get confusing. Readers might struggle to keep track of who’s thinking what.

3. Third-Person Objective (AKA: “Just the Facts”)

This one is like a camera recording events without diving into anyone’s thoughts or feelings.

It simply reports what characters do and say.

Example? Ernest Hemingway loved this style. In Hills Like White Elephants, you don’t get inside the characters’ heads. You have to figure out what they’re feeling based on their actions and dialogue.

Why use it?

• Creates mystery by making readers interpret the characters.
• Works well in fast-paced, action-heavy stories.

Potential problem?

• Can feel distant. Readers might struggle to connect emotionally.

Why Choose Third-Person POV?

If you want flexibility, third-person is your best friend.

Use it when:
1. You want to explore more than one character’s perspective.
2. You’re writing fantasy, mystery, or historical fiction.
3. You like balancing intimacy and distance in storytelling.

Now that we’ve covered all three POVs, let’s talk about how to pick the right one for your story.

How to Choose the Right POV for Your Story

So now you know the Big Three: First, Second, and Third Person.

But how do you actually choose the right one?

It’s like picking a Netflix show—you’ve got options, but not all of them fit your mood.

Let’s break it down.

1. Ask Yourself: Who Should Tell This Story?

Imagine your main character is sitting across from you.

Do you want them to speak directly to the reader? That’s first-person.

Do you want to drop the reader into the action and make them the star? That’s second-person.

Or do you want a bird’s-eye view that shows more than one character’s experience? That’s third-person.

Think about the emotional weight of your story. A deeply personal, introspective novel might work best in first-person. A sprawling fantasy epic? Third-person is probably your best bet.

2. Consider Your Genre

Different genres have go-to POVs that just feel right.

• Mystery/Thriller? First-person is great for keeping secrets from the reader. (Gone Girl anyone?)
• Fantasy? Third-person lets you explore vast worlds and multiple perspectives. (Game of Thrones)
• Romance? First or third both work, but dual third-person POV (switching between love interests) is super popular.
• Experimental or Literary Fiction? Second-person can create a memorable, unique experience.

Does this mean you have to follow genre trends? Nope. But knowing them helps you decide whether to go with the flow or break the rules.

3. Think About Reader Connection

POV affects how close readers feel to the story.

• First-person = deep, emotional, immediate.
• Second-person = immersive, unique, a little risky.
• Third-person = flexible, can be close or distant.

Want your reader to feel like they are the character? First-person or second-person might be your best bet.

Want a little distance so you can explore multiple perspectives? Third-person all the way.

4. Experiment Before You Decide

Here’s a fun trick: write the same scene in different point of views.

Take a moment from your story—maybe your character discovers a hidden door or reads a shocking letter.

Write it in first-person. Then in third-person. Heck, try second-person if you’re feeling adventurous.

Which one feels right?

Trust your gut.

Point of View is a Writer’s Superpower

At the end of the day, point of view shapes the entire experience of a story.

Pick one that fits your characters, your world, and your tone.

And remember—rules exist, but they’re meant to be bent (or even broken). Some of the best stories come from unexpected point of view choices. So go forth and write. And may your chosen point of view serve your story well.