The Advantages and Disadvantages of Writing in Third Person POV

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Writing in Third Person POV

Writing is an art, and in writing good content, the choice of point of view (POV) can have a tremendous impact on the overall quality of the written work. One of the most commonly used POV is the third-person POV. This POV is where the writer refers to the characters in their narrative as “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they,” instead of as “I” or “we.” In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of writing in third person point of view.

Advantages of Writing in Third Person POV

1. It Makes the Story or Article More Objective.

One of the significant advantages of using the third-person POV is that it makes the story or article more objective. When you tell a story or write an article in the first person POV, you are inserting yourself into the story, making it subjective. The third person point of view keeps the writer at arm’s length from the story, allowing the reader to make their conclusions.

2. It Can Be Used to Create Tension and Suspense

Writing in the third-person POV offers the writer the flexibility to create tension and suspense in the story or article. This POV enables the writer to withhold information from the reader and build up to a significant reveal. The reader is unaware of the antagonist’s motivations or the outcome of the hero’s efforts, which builds suspense.

3. It Allows for Various Storylines and Character Development

Writing in third-person point of view allows the writer to introduce various storylines and character development. The writer can tell the story of the protagonist and the antagonist and reveal their motivations, resulting in better character development. Simultaneously, the writer can introduce subplots and develop background stories for secondary characters to make the story richer.

Disadvantages of Writing in Third Person POV

1. You Cannot Share Personal Observations and Feelings.

Writing in the third person POV means that the writer cannot share their personal thoughts, observations, and feelings. The writer must rely on the characters’ actions and dialogue to convey emotions, making it difficult to establish an emotional connection between the reader and the characters.

2. It Requires More Descriptive Language.

In third-person POV writing, the writer has to rely on descriptive language to convey characters’ emotions, thoughts, and physical attributes. This type of writing requires the writer to describe everything the reader needs to know to feel connected to the characters and the story.

3. It Can Make the Reader Feel Disconnected from the Story

One of the significant disadvantages of writing in the third person POV is that it can make the reader feel disconnected from the story. If the writer is not skilled in using descriptive language and worldbuilding, the reader may feel as though they are observing the story from a distance.

Conclusion

As we have explored in this article, writing in the third person POV has its advantages and disadvantages. This POV is ideal for nonfiction or journalistic writing, where the emphasis is on objectivity and factual reporting. However, it can make fiction writing feel distant and disconnected, which can be a disadvantage. Ultimately, the choice of POV depends on the writer’s skill and the story’s intended audience and purpose.

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