How To Write So Readers Would Read

7. First Person POV (FPP)

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Let's begin with a basic question: What is First person Point of View?

Similar to speaking, in writing the first person POV is characterised by usage of pronouns like, "I', "me", "we", "us" and so on. The narrator is the the protagonist of the story (In traditional FPP). The protagonist is telling the story as seen through their eyes and experiences. 

I noticed through while researching on this topic that different bloggers and writers had different takes on types of FPPs. So, I have mentioned the most relevant types below:

1. Margaret Artwood's FPP types: 

 First Person-Central: It is also called Traditional FPP. Here, the protagonist is the narrator. An example  of this particular type can be The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. You go deep into your character's mind through this FPP and accordingly let the story unfold. You can show the reader everything that character thinks or feels. 

First Person-Peripheral: The narrator in this particular style is like a witness to the story, however, they are not the main character. So, in this FPP, the narrator has considerably less knowledge about the protagonist. You might not be able to directly showcase how the protagonist feels or what he or she thinks. The best example of Peripheral FPP can be The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Jay Gatsby is the main character and Nick, his friend is the the narrator of Gatsby's story. It is a considerably difficult and limited POV and is generally used when you wish to keep the main character mysterious throughout. Sometime, the protagonist can be unlikeable if the readers view his story directly so Peripheral FPP is the writer's best bet. 

2. Unreliable Narrator:

Just like the word unreliable suggests, in this type of FPP, the narrator is unreliable. Now you might ask how? Well, a traditional FPP can also have an unreliable narrator because FPP is susceptible to biases. However, an unreliable narrator to a great extent is intentionally biased. So, the reader can't trust everything this narrator says about the world. Your unreliable narrator can intentionally and unintentionally lie to the narrator, whereas, you traditional FPP narrator is considerable honest because you're practically in their head as a reader. 

Some reasons why a character might be unreliable:

a. They may have a mental disorder that has altered their perception.

b. Can be a psychopath

c. Can be a child whose not yet wise enough to have the right sense. 

So on and so forth...

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Tenses for First Person POV

First Person POV can be written in two tenses: Present and Past. 

So brush up your tenses before you begin writing the chapters. Choose the type of tense wisely. 

Example of present tense: I go to him and snatch my bag from his hand. 

Example of Past Tense: I went to him and snatched my bag from his hand. 

Past Tense is easier to follow throughout the story and is more popular too. I would suggest that you start with Past tense if you are a newbie writer. 

Filter Words

Filter words are unnecessary words that we use to explain an action. They usually end up creating a distance between the reader and the character. I am guilty of using these way too much. To explain further, let me give you an example, 

With filter words "I saw the dog, brown and shaggy." 

Without filter words "The dog was brown and shaggy." 

Excessive usage of "I" and phrases like, "I said, I thought, I saw." take readers away from the action happening in the seen. 

When we eliminate filter words, we end up showing instead of telling. To show and not to tell, is a dream of every writer out there. But trust it's not an easy job. I genuinely suck at 'Show not tell' so I practice a lot. 

Below are certain ways you can employ to practice writing 'Show and not tell':

1. Use Active voice: Seriously, guys. The out those grammar books and brush up on these concepts. I know they are really boring but lifesaving nevertheless. 

2. Short sentences: Try to convey whatever you want in short and less complex sentences. You can use prompts to practice. Let me give you one

Write the saddest scene you can, in 20 words or less. -----> Comment them here. 

3. Awareness: Be aware. Re-read your scripts with one motive in mind- To find and replace filter words. 

Books that will help you master First Person POV:

1. To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee. 

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (FPP Peripheral)

3. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (Unreliable narrator)

References for this update: 

1. Ignited ink writing

2. Margaret Atwood's Writing Masterclass

3. Reedsy POV Lessons 

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Happy Writing!