writing a book review in third person

How to Write a Professional Book Review

Arvyn Cerézo

Arvyn Cerézo is an arts and culture writer/reporter with bylines in Book Riot , Publishers Weekly , South China Morning Post , PhilSTAR Life , the Asian Review of Books , and other publications. You can find them on arvyncerezo.com and @ArvynCerezo on Twitter.

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With the boom of Goodreads and book blogging in the past few years, everyone became self-proclaimed book critics. But as much fun as it is writing about books, these platforms don’t let writers earn bucks on the side.

But here’s the thing: You can use your book blogging skills to try writing a professional book review—trade book review—and make some quick cash. Trade reviews are published in established outlets like Publishers Weekly , Kirkus Reviews , and The New York Times among others.

Want to know how to write a professional book review and start side hustling? Read on.

I’ve been reviewing for a couple of years now for some book review outlets. Although I only have a few years on my belt, I’ve learned enough to be able to share some basic tips. Here are some of them:

Get to Know the Best Reviewing Practices

There are a lot of book review publications out there, and their reviewing guidelines vary. If accepted as a reviewer for a publication, make sure to ask your editor about the best reviewing practices.

You can also read the publication’s published reviews to get the tone and the writing style to use.

Fine-Tune Your Language

Reviewing for trade publications requires a shift of language tone. Book critics, more or less, are unbiased, firm, and straightforward in writing their reviews.

In a book review blog, however, you can be more friendly and playful with your tone. You are also free to let your feelings out or even spill your guts in the book review.

Take a look at these examples:

Book blog: “I didn’t like this book, so I give it two stars. Not recommended!”

Trade book review: “While the mystery around the main character carries the story forward, the plot meanders a lot. Horror readers will be disappointed.”

As you might notice, the tone of trade book reviews are authoritative and matter-of-fact. You can also do the same by being objective in your approach.

Avoid Showing Uncertainty or Doubt

This is common in book blogging. While there’s nothing really wrong with letting your unfiltered thoughts flow in writing, this is not recommended in trade review writing.

Avoid using words like “I think,” “This might,” “This could” etc. to convey your convictions. Instead, use words that show firm opinions like “will” and “can.”

Here are some examples:

Book blog: “Well, not for me but I think this might interest fantasy readers.”

Trade book review: “Fast-paced and high-stakes, fantasy readers will keep turning pages.”

Don’t Copy Goodreads Descriptions

Don’t paraphrase them either. It will be very obvious, and you might be accused of plagiarism.

If you read the book, then rehash the plot from your mind. You can do so by writing important plot points from A to B and C to D. To avoid errors, fact check what you’re writing by consulting the book.

Be Mindful of What You Say

With book blogging, you can say whatever you want. It’s your opinion as a reader after all. But if you’re a professional book reviewer, you just can’t say a book is shitty without providing evidence.

Did it suck because it’s slow-paced? Are the characters one-dimensional? Is the book full of clichés? State it in your review and provide examples such as sample texts or passages.

Don’t Drop Spoilers

Most traditional review outlets don’t do this either. Why? It’s simply because readers click on your article to see whether they’ll like the book or not.

With book blogging, you can get away with adding a “Spoiler Alert” warning. And then, you can gush out how excited or exasperated you were by what happened to your favorite character.

However, that’s not a good practice in trade book reviews. Just write enough plot summaries that won’t disclose revelations (like a character dying).

Write in Third-Person Point of View

To sound objective, authoritative, and all-knowing in your reviews, write in third-person point of review.

Avoid using the “I” pronoun as much as possible.

Review Books You Only Like

I have some blogger friends who are required to write a review in exchange for the books they didn’t ask for but received. But what if they didn’t like the books at all?

If the book didn’t pique your interest in the first place, don’t review it. You run the risk of giving a negative review to a rather stellar book.

With professional book reviewing, you can pitch to editors only the books you like to read. You are not pressured to review books just because you received them for free.

Don’t Leave a Star Rating

Sure, this might be fun to do on Goodreads and in your book review blog. It can easily indicate your stand for a book.

However, this is not a standard practice in trade review publications. Instead, they have a different version of showing a book’s merit: the “ starred reviews .” If part of the publication’s policy, you can leave a star on a book to indicate quality.

These are just some basic tips on how to write a professional book review. While guidelines and practices vary per publication, the tips above are generally applicable in trade review writing.

If you want to further sharpen your reviewing chops, you can also read these guidelines: How to Write a Book Review .

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7 Essential Tips for Writing in the Third Person

Table of contents

Alana Chase

Whether you’re a student, business professional, or writer, knowing how to write well in the third person is an essential skill.

But you may not be sure of all the rules or how to make your third-person writing shine.

As an editor and writing coach of 11 years, I’ve taught students and writers at all levels how to master the third-person point of view (POV). All you need to get started is a good understanding of third-person pronouns and a bit of practice for consistency. 

By the end of this article, you’ll know when and how to use third-person perspective. You'll also find helpful tips for taking your third-person writing to the next level.

Key takeaways 

• In the third-person perspective, the narrator is separate from the story. 
• Third-person perspective uses he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/them/their pronouns. 
• Consistency is key: Don’t switch between perspectives in a single document.
• Practicing third-person writing and editing your work is vital to improving your skills.

What is third-person point of view (POV)?

In writing, there are three ways to tell a story: first-person, second-person, or third-person POV. 

First-person POV is from the narrator’s perspective: 

“ I saw the bird steal my sandwich, and I ran after it.”

Second-person POV is from the reader’s perspective: 

“ You saw the bird steal your sandwich, and you ran after it.”

Third-person POV, however, separates the narrator from the story and uses third-person pronouns (like he/him, she/her, and they/them) to describe events, actions, thoughts, and emotions. Characters are referred to by name or one of these pronouns: 

“ Alex saw the bird steal his/her/their sandwich, and he/she/they ran after it.”

Third-person POV is used in all kinds of writing — from novels to research papers, journalistic articles, copywriting materials, and more. Check out some examples below.

Examples of third-person perspective

• In a novel: “Robb and Jon sat tall and still on their horses, with Bran between them on his pony, trying to seem older than seven, trying to pretend that he’d seen all this before.” (From A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin)
• In a news article : “This weekend, Iceland experienced nearly 2,000 earthquakes within 48 hours. And they’ve kept coming since then – in swarms.” (From “Thousands of earthquakes have scientists watching for a volcanic eruption in Iceland” on NPR’s website )
• In copywriting : “Balm Dotcom’s formula has antioxidants and natural emollients to nourish dry lips.” (Website copy describing Glossier’s Balm Dotcom lip product )

7 tips for writing in the third person

Just like the first and second person, you’ve probably already written in the third person before. But to do it well , you’ll need some key tips and tricks in your writing toolkit. 

Let’s dive into the seven essentials for third-person writing.

Tip 1: Use third-person determiners and pronouns 

In grammar, determiners introduce and modify nouns. They’re used to specify what a noun refers to (like “ my laptop”) or the quantity of it (like “ many sandwiches”). 

Meanwhile, pronouns are substitutes for nouns, referring to people, places, or things. For example, “Caroline [noun] is a skilled musician, and she [pronoun] especially loves playing the piano.”

When you write in the third person, use only third-person determiners and pronouns. Let’s take a look at the different types of pronouns. 

Tip 2: Use names for clarity

In third-person writing, using names is crucial for clarity, especially when multiple people/characters share similar pronouns. Strategically incorporate names into your writing to help readers keep track of who’s who. 

For example:

‍ “She submitted the script draft to her, and she made suggestions for changes.”

‍ “Mira submitted the script draft to Lynn, and Lynn made suggestions for changes.”

Tip: Use a character or person’s name when introducing them in your writing. Then, alternate between using pronouns and their name to prevent confusion.

Tip 3: Keep the narration neutral

When you write in the third person, your narrator is an uninvolved observer. They have no opinions on the people, places, things, or events they describe. Their words and tone should be neutral (but not boring).

To achieve this in your writing:

• Think of your narrator as a reporter. Their job is to detail what’s happening, when and why it’s occurring, who’s involved, and any background information that can give context. They don’t offer a personal interpretation of events. Instead, they provide facts and supporting details.
• Save the judgment for characters. Rather than having your narrator share their critique of events or individuals, have a character offer their opinion — either through dialogue, actions, or reactions. For instance, instead of writing, “Dr. Shaw was a courageous woman,” let a character convey admiration by telling Dr. Shaw, “I’ve always admired your fearlessness.”
• Be objective with your descriptions. Avoid subjective adjectives and focus on observable features. For example, instead of describing a landscape as “breathtaking,” write that it’s “marked with snow-capped mountains and patches of tall pine trees.” 

Tip 4: Use descriptive language

Showing — and not just telling — is essential when writing in the third person. Instead of stating emotions and experiences outright, immerse your reader in your character’s reality. Create vivid descriptions of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Use language that engages the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. 

For example: 

“Aisha was nervous.”

‍ “Aisha’s hands trembled, and her tongue felt dry against the roof of her mouth. The spotlight above the stage shone white-hot, causing beads of sweat to form along Aisha’s hairline.”

Tip 5: Be consistent

Once you establish a third-person POV, stick to it . Avoid switching from the third person to the first or second person. Otherwise, you’ll confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of your writing.

“Hannah felt a surge of excitement when her telephone rang, anticipating good news about her mortgage application. I felt my heart rate quicken as I answered.” (Switches from the third person to the first person)

“Hannah felt a surge of excitement when her telephone rang, anticipating good news about her mortgage application. She felt her heart rate quicken as she answered.” (Remains in the third person)

Tip 6: Practice

Writing in the third person might feel strange at first, especially if you’re used to using the first or second person. However, it’ll come more naturally to you with practice.

Here are two writing exercises you can try right now:

Writing Exercise #1

Take an excerpt from an article or book written in the first or second person and rewrite it in the third person. Below is an example using The Catcher in the Rye , whose main character is named Holden.

Before: “The other reason I wasn’t down at the game was because I was on my way to say good-by to old Spencer, my history teacher.”

After: “The other reason Holden wasn’t down at the game was because he was on his way to say good-by to old Spencer, his history teacher.”

Writing Exercise #2

Turn on a movie or television show, mute the sound, and closely observe two characters. Give them each a name. Using third-person pronouns and their names, describe the characters’ actions and what you believe they’re thinking and feeling. 

Above all, write in the third person as often as possible , following the tips in this guide. Remember, your writing skills are like muscles: The more you exercise them, the stronger they become. 

Tip 7: Carefully revise 

After you’ve written something in the third person, carefully review and revise your work. 

Check that your writing :

• Uses third-person determiners and pronouns accurately and consistently
• Incorporates names where pronouns may cause confusion
• Maintains a neutral tone, where your narrator doesn’t offer personal opinions or interpretations
• Doesn’t shift to the first or second person

Make changes where necessary, then read through your work a final time.

AI tip: Wordtune can help you self-edit and help improve your writing overall.

Paste your work into Wordtune’s Editor, or write in it directly, and use the features to shorten or expand your sentences, make your tone more casual or formal, and more. Wordtune will also automatically flag spelling and grammar errors and suggest ways to improve concision, clarity, and flow.

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Bonus tip (advanced): Learn the different types of third-person POV

Did you know there are three types of third-person POV? Getting familiar with them can help you make your writing even more impactful.

• Third-person objective , where the narrator is “a fly on the wall”: They provide an objective account of events without exploring people/characters’ emotions or thoughts.
• Third-person omniscient , where the narrator has unlimited knowledge of all events and characters’ thoughts and feelings. 
• Third-person limited , also called “close third,” where the narrator has access to just one character’s emotions, thoughts, and experiences. 

With this knowledge, you can choose the right perspective for your writing depending on its purpose, tone, and goals. 

For instance, use third-person omniscient to show readers what’s happening with everyone in your novel. Or, you could go for third-person objective in an academic paper where you must present facts without sharing your interpretation of them.

Writing well in the third person takes thought and effort. You must use third-person determiners and pronouns, weave in descriptive language, and keep your narration neutral. You also need to be consistent with your POV, ensuring you don’t accidentally switch to the first or second person. Finally, review and revise your work to make sure it’s clear and error-free. 

Using this guide — and Wordtune’s tools to polish your writing — you’ll get the hang of the third-person perspective in no time.

To continue sharpening your writing skills, read our articles on mastering tone of voice and writing concisely (with help from AI). Then, check out our proofreading guide to keep your work flawless . 

What is a third-person word example?

Third-person words are pronouns like “he,” “her,” “they,” “it,” “hers,” and “theirs.”

Should I write in the first or third person?

It depends on the closeness you want to create with your audience. The first person allows for a personal connection between the narrator and the reader, while the third person creates distance between the narrator and the audience.

What are the disadvantages of writing in the third person?

Third-person writing can lead to a lack of intimacy with the reader. This can be a disadvantage for some writers but an advantage for others, like those in academic and professional settings.

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What Is Third-Person Point of View and How Can You Use It in Your Writing?

Walter Akolo

Have you ever read a book in which you felt like a bird sitting on the shoulder of the protagonist?

From the very first page, the author placed you in a position to see beyond what the character is seeing. So you can hear the door opening, or know when someone’s opening it, even if they don’t see it happening. It is books like this that are often so easy to consume—and that consume you, eventually.

And the technique that makes these books tick? Third-person point of view (POV).

If you’re looking to write a story that will grip your readers and put them on the edge of their seats, third-person perspective is your secret weapon. But what exactly is third-person point of view and how can you use it in your writing?

What Is Third-Person Point of View (POV)?

What are the different types of third-person pov, is it okay to mix perspectives, how do you write effectively in the third person, third-person pov examples, advantages of writing in third-person pov.

The third-person point of view is a common form of storytelling—a staple in works of fiction—in which the narrator uses third-person pronouns such as they , he , and she to best relate the action in the story.

Most new writers shun writing in the third-person perspective but, unknown to them, it affords a writer much more freedom in how they tell the story.

It’s the only perspective where the author can change the level of reader immersion in relation to the character.

In the first-person perspective , the reader is focused on the point of view of the character—who they are, what they think and feel, and what they want to tell the reader. The author can add a more significant voice to the novel to flesh out the character and make them come alive.

In the second-person perspective , the reader is so deeply interacting with the story that they more or less become that character. It’s like you’re interacting with a character in a video game.

But the third-person perspective is less personal. Since the reader isn’t sitting in the character’s head or becoming the character, the author has the freedom to immerse the reader in the character however they desire—or even withhold knowledge of people and events to create tension and suspense.

Immersing your readers in different levels of the third-person perspective adds pizazz to your story and grips your reader.

In Elements of Fiction Writing: Characters & Viewpoint , Orson Scott Card lists three types of third-person point of view:

1. Third-Person Point of View Omniscient

Card explains that the omniscient third-person point of view gives the reader a line into the character’s eyes. Think of it as an insider’s view of every character’s thoughts, memories, dreams, longings, and deep-seated desires, as well as any point in time—whether present or future.

As a writer, third-person omniscient makes you the all-knowing narrator that relates and interprets events, thoughts, and feelings of all characters in the story. The novels Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White and Middlemarch by George Eliot use third-person omniscient POV.

2. Third-Person Point of View Limited

In the third-person limited POV, the narrator can access the thoughts and feelings of a single character in the story from the third-person perspective. The reader sees what the character is seeing but can only guess what is in another character’s mind.

But this viewpoint doesn’t prevent you from hopping into another character’s mind. Instead, it provides you with a clear division when switching characters (as in a new chapter break or an extra line space to help readers keep up with the story).

For example, if you’re writing inside John’s head and are switching to Ben’s POV, open the next section with Ben’s name, location, and point in time to keep the reader grounded in the story. It’s used to heighten suspense and build interest. The short story Miss Brill by Katherine Mansfield employs a third-person limited point of view.

3. Third-Person Point of View Objective

The third-person objective is a type of third-person POV in which the narrator is essentially a "fly on the wall." The narrator is neutral and is not privy to the inner thoughts and feelings of any characters in the story.

It’s an ambitious feat to write a book in third-person POV objective, but Ernest Hemingway used it to write his short story, Hills like White Elephants .

It can be tricky. But it all depends on how you do it for your story and your perspective.

There are plenty of existing books with sections in first-person POV and others with occasional interludes in third-person POV. The trick is to make sure the reader understands what’s going on and that they aren’t taken by surprise as you jump about in your point of view.

The best way to switch points of view is when you start a new chapter and then make it clear in the first few lines of that chapter what POV is in use. In the famous novel The Great Gatsby , F. Scott Fitzgerald’s opening sentence (of the first chapter) clearly shows that the first-person point of view is in use:

"In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.”

If you make a switch between POV mid-chapter, have a clear scene break. The idea is to avoid swapping into third-person for a few lines then transition back to the protagonist in first-person, then off to another character in another POV. If your novel involves multiple perspectives, you can use ProWritingAid’s Pronoun Check to keep track of all of your clever point of view switches.

But there are no hard and fast rules for narrative perspectives. Some readers will like the point of view switches, some will not. In the end, it’s down to you and what you think of it. But has this ever been done before? The answer is almost always yes. Charles Dickens did it in his novel Bleak House —and so can you.

1) Read a variety of books that display an effective use of the third-person point of view. Then use those you think are the best as an example—after all, those who want to write have to read books regardless of the narrative perspective they want to master.

Good examples of third-person literature from classic fiction include Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, and Moby Dick by Herman Melville.

2) Learn to write with authority. The reader wants a narrator they can fully trust to transition the story to the next chapter or scene with ease. Create an authoritative third-person narrator that sits on the shoulder of the reader—creating a bird’s-eye view of the story.

3) Empower the narrator with a reliable voice and the ability to know the character’s thoughts. This is possible when using third-person omniscient and limited POV.

4) Avoid transitioning into the first-person point of view. The first-person POV uses the pronouns I , me , mine , we , us , our , and more. The third-person POV calls for the author to stay in the narrator character’s voice while staying consistent with the pronouns he , she , it or they .

5) Choose the best type of third-person POV for your story and remain consistent. You have the plot and are ready to write. But before you do, think of the third-person perspective that’ll work best for your story.

Are you writing an epic saga with important characters? Use the third-person omniscient POV (with an all-knowing narrator). Do you want to keep your reader in suspense and only know what the character knows? Then write the story in third-person limited POV.

The third-person perspective transcends time. It’s been in use since time immemorial in a wide range of fiction from E. B. White’s children’s tales to George Orwell’s classics Animal Farm and 1984 —and to now J. K. Rowling’s famous magical series.

In fiction, third-person perspective allows the writer to place the reader in the character’s head—explaining all the important plot points and details for the story whilst staying impartial.

"The goose shouted to the nearest cow that Wilbur was free, and soon all the cows knew. Then one of the cows told one of the sheep, and soon all the sheep knew. The lambs learned about it from their mothers. The horses, in their stalls in the barn, pricked up their ears when they heard the goose hollering; and soon the horses had caught on to what was happening." E. B. White, Charlotte’s Web "They all remembered or thought they remembered, how they had seen Snowball charging ahead of them at the Battle of the Cowshed, how he had rallied and encouraged them at every turn, and how he had not paused for an instant even when the pellets from Jones’s gun had wounded his back." George Orwell, Animal Farm "Harry moved in front of the tank and looked intently at the snake. He wouldn’t have been surprised if it had died of boredom itself." J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Choosing the right third-person POV can sometimes be challenging, but getting it right can make all the difference. Third-person viewpoint has important advantages in a story:

1) The third-person POV has a wider narrative scope than the first and second. The writer experiences a robust character development because there is a broader range of options for language choice. You can shift a melodramatic moment in an overreacting character’s mind to something that might let the reader sympathize better.

2) The third-person POV allows you to put several characters in the spotlight . You can do this while giving the reader an all-around view of the plot, which creates a rich and complex story by including information the the characters do not know.

3) Third-person POV is more flexible. As a narrator, you can switch between different character stories, helping the reader see everything including thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and you can go everywhere you want. You can go from being omniscient to limited to an objective third-person POV.

Point Your Story in the Right Direction

Point of view is an important consideration when writing fiction. Writers have favorite points of view, which can become our defaults. This isn’t a problem, as the same POV may suit most of our writing. However, to tell better stories with characters that exude power, it’s important to choose the point of view that has the biggest impact on your story. Try using third-person point of view to bring your writing to life.

Are you prepared to write your novel? Download this free book now:

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Walter Akolo is a freelance writer, internet marketer, trainer, and blogger for hire. He loves helping businesses increase their reach and conversion through excellent and engaging content. He has gotten millions of pageviews on his blog, FreelancerKenya, where he mentors writers. Check out his website walterakolo.com.

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Last updated on Nov 14, 2022

Point of View: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Perspectives

Point of view (POV) is the narrative perspective from which a story is told. It’s the angle from which readers experience the plot, observe the characters’ behavior, and learn about their world. In fiction, there are four types of point of view: first person, second person, third person limited, and third person omniscient. 

This guide will look at each point of view, and provide examples to help you understand them better. Let’s dive in.

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First person

First person narratives are quite common and relatively intuitive to write: it’s how we tell stories in everyday life. Sentences written in first person will use the pronouns I , we , my , and our . For example:

I told my mother that we lost our passports.

First person can create intimacy between the reader and the characters, granting us direct access to their emotions, psyches and inner thoughts. In stories where the protagonist’s internal life is at the fore, you will often find a first-person narrator.

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Having a single fixed narrator can limit the scope of a story 一 the reader can only know what the narrator knows. It’s also said that a first person narrator is biased, since they provide a subjective view of the world around them, rather than an objective one. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and intentionally unreliable narrators are fascinating literary creatures in their own right. 

Genres that commonly use a first person POV

Young Adult . Introspective coming-of-age narratives often benefit from a first-person narrative that captures the protagonist’s voice and (often mortifying) internal anxieties. Some examples are novels like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins , The Fault in Our Stars by John Green , and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

Science Fiction . In sci-fi novels, a first person perspective can nicely convey the tension and awe associated with exploring unfamiliar environments and technologies. Some examples of this approach include Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

Memoir . The first person is perfect for memoirs, which allow readers to relive life events with the author. Some pageturners in this genre are Open by Andre Agassi, Educated by Tara Westover, and Becoming by Michelle Obama. 

As you might expect, after first person comes…

Second person

Second person narratives are far less common in literature — but not entirely unheard of. The pronouns associated with second person include you , your , and yours , as in:

You instruct the chief of police to bring the prisoner to your office.

Second person POV is all about putting the reader directly in the headspace of a particular character: either the protagonist or a secondary figure. When mishandled, this POV can alienate readers — but when executed well, it can create an intimate reading experience like no other.

Since this POV requires quite a lot of focus for most readers, it’s often suited to shorter, lyrical pieces of writing, like poetry. It can also be used alongside other points of view to provide variety in a longer novel, or to indicate a change of character (see: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin).

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Genres that commonly use a second person POV

Creative Fiction . Short stories, poetry, and screenplays can benefit from the immediacy and intimacy of the second person. Two examples are The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz, or Pants are Optional by Aeris Walker 一 a brilliant piece from Reedsy’s Short Story competition. 

Nonfiction . In self-help in particular, the second person can be used to ‘enter the reader's mind’, establish rapport, and guide them through a transformation process. For example, in Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now many teachings are conveyed through a series of questions and answers written in second person.

Now that you have seen how second person narratives work, let’s meet some third person limited narrators and see how they handle things.

Third person limited

Everyone has read a third person limited narrative, as literature is full of them. This POV uses third-person pronouns such as he , his , she , hers , they , their , to relate the story:

She told him that their assessment of the situation was incorrect. 

Third person limited is where the narrator can only reveal the thoughts, feelings, and understanding of a single character at any given time — hence, the reader is “limited” to that perspective. Between chapters, many books wrote in this POV switch from character to character, but you will only hear one perspective at a time. For instance:

“ She couldn't tell if the witness was lying.”

The limited third person POV portrays characters from a bit of distance, and asks the readers to engage and choose who they’re rooting for 一 but this POV poses a challenge for authors when trying to create truly compelling characters . A limited perspective definitely adds intrigue, but writers should bear in mind that being able to tell only one side of the story at a time can limit their ability to reveal important details.

Genres that commonly use a third person limited POV

Romance . A love story always has two sides, and the third person point of view is ideal for authors who wish to convey both. Examples in this genre include Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer.

Thriller . In suspense-driven plots the limited third person POV works well, since it’s fun to try and solve a mystery (or mysterious characters) alongside the protagonists. Two examples are Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, or Nine Perfect Strangers by Moriarty Liane. 

A solid story structure will help you maintain a coherent point of view. Build it with our free book development template.

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Use this template to go from a vague idea to a solid plan for a first draft.

If you’re done with the intimacy of “close” viewpoints, perhaps we can interest you in one final POV — a God’s-eye view of storytelling.

Third person Omniscient

The third person omniscient is as popular as the limited one, and uses the same pronouns. The difference, however, is that the narrator is “all knowing” — meaning that they’re not limited to one character’s perspective, but instead can reveal anything that is happening, has happened, or will happen in the world of the story. For example:

He thought the witness was honest, but she didn't think the same of him .

It’s a popular point of view because it allows a writer to pan out beyond the perspective of a single character, so that new information (beyond the protagonist’s comprehension) can be introduced. At the same time, it heavily relies on the voice and authority of the narrator, and  can therefore take some focus away from the character.  

Genres that commonly use a third person omniscient POV

Fantasy fiction . In elaborate fantasy worlds, being unencumbered from a character’s personal narrative means that the narrator can provide commentary on the world, or move between characters and locations with the flick of a pen. You’ll see this approach in action in Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, and The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.

Literary fiction . An all-encompassing perspective can allow authors to explore different character quirks, but also interpersonal dynamics between characters. Leo Tolstoy does this masterfully in his great classics Anna Karenina and War and Peace .

Now that we have established the basics of the major points of view, let’s dig a little deeper. If you’re ready for a closer look at POV, head over to the next post in this guide to learn more about first person perspective.

5 responses

Aysha says:

19/04/2020 – 19:56

The Book Thief would be considered First Person POV, similar to Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, right? Thank you for the wonderful information. It gave a lot of insight into choosing which POV would be most suitable for a particular story. Pretty clear-cut.

Sasha Anderson says:

31/05/2020 – 10:41

I sometimes have difficulty telling the difference between third person limited and omniscient. For example, in the quote from I am Legend, the sentence "If he had been more analytical, he might have calculated the approximate time of their arrival" sounds very omniscient to me, because Robert wasn't, and didn't. Is there an easy way to tell that this is limited rather than omniscient, or does it not really matter as long as it reads well?

Lilian says:

18/06/2020 – 05:15

This was a very helpful piece and I hope it's okay to share the link for reference.

↪️ Martin Cavannagh replied:

18/06/2020 – 08:51

Of course! Share away :)

18/06/2020 – 05:44

It deal with the challenges associated with POV in writing. I like that it clearly distinguishes between third person limited POV and third person omniscient POV as most beginner writers are guilty of abrupt and inconsistent interchange in the two leading to head hopping. Greattach piece, I muse confess.

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Third Person Point Of View Explained (With Examples)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Third Person Point of View in narrative writing.

This article delves deep into what constitutes a narrative point of view, focusing on the third-person perspective. We explore its historical evolution , analyze its different types (limited, omniscient, objective), and discuss its varied applications across different literary genres . Additionally, we compare it with first and second-person narratives to provide a complete understanding of its unique attributes. Whether you're a budding writer or a seasoned author, this article offers invaluable insights into mastering the art of third-person narration.

Table of Contents

What is Narrative Point of View?

What is third person point of view, historical evolution of third-person point of view, different types of third person point of view, genre-specific uses of third-person point of view, flexibility and adaptability of third-person point of view, comparative analysis with first and second person narratives, subjective and objective narrative point of view, omniscient and limited narrative points of view, advantages and disadvantages of third person point of view, comparative view with first and second person povs, frequently asked questions, final thoughts.

When writing a novel, you must choose which narrative viewpoint will work best for you and your book. This choice of narrative point of view is an essential part of any writing journey.

The most common narrative point of view is a third person viewpoint. In third person point of view the narrator refers to all characters with a third person pronouns such as 'he', 'she', or 'they'.

In other words, the narrator is not a story's character but a separate entity.

In this article, you'll learn about third person point of view. You'll discover the best variety of third person point of view and when to apply third person perspective to your writing.

To fully understand third person point of view, we must first look at narrative viewpoint in general.

In fact, we must take one step further back and consider narration as a whole.

Wikipedia describes narration as 'the use of a written or spoken commentary to convey a story to an audience'. [ source ]

In other words, it is the way a story is told to the reader.

Narration is split into three elements:

• Narrative point of view : the grammatical person used by the narrator to refer to the character being narrated.
• Narrative tense : the consistent use of the grammatical tense of either past or present.
• Narrative techniques : methods of conveying the story.

Of these three elements, it is narrative point of view that interests us.

The person who tells a story is known as the narrator; this might be a character in the story, but it might also be a separate 'voice' independent of the other characters.

The narrative point of view is determined by 'who' tells the story and 'how the story is told'.

There are three different types of narrative view point: first person viewpoint , second person viewpoint and third person viewpoint.

This article looks at first person.

If you would like to learn more about the specifics of all different points of view, this extensive article called Mastering Point Of View In Writing: A Comprehensive Guide will prove to be an effective resource.

One way to identify your viewpoint is to look carefully at your pronouns. This pronoun will often tell you a lot about the viewpoint.

In third person point of view, the narrator refers to all characters with third-person pronouns such as 'he', 'she', or 'they'.

So 'they' can be considered a third person pronoun.

Remember, the narrator is not a character in the story and is a separate entity, this means they will refer to characters as separate people and not use a pronoun such as 'I"/.

Third person point of view is, by far, the most common method of storytelling and has been the viewpoint of choice for some of the best-known stories in the English language. Here's the opening from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice a novel famously written from a third person point of view.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters. "My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?" Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. "But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it." Mr. Bennet made no answer. "Do you not want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently. "You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it." This was invitation enough.

One clear distinction of the third person point of view is that the narrator is someone separate from the novel's characters. In fact, the narrator is almost always unidentified. This leads to a third-person narrator often being called an 'anonymous narrator'.

This is very different from a first-person narrator, where the narrator is both identified and a character within the novel.

The origins of the third-person point of view in literature can be traced back to ancient epic tales and classical texts. These early examples often employed a narrative style that was external to the characters, focusing on their actions rather than internal thoughts.

During the Renaissance, the third-person narrative began to evolve, offering deeper character insights. The Romantic and Victorian eras saw further development, with authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens using this perspective to explore complex social themes and character psychology. The Modernist movement brought experimental approaches to third-person narration, challenging traditional storytelling methods.

In contemporary literature, the third-person point of view continues to be versatile, adapting to various narrative styles and genres. Recent trends include the blending of third-person with other perspectives and the use of a more intimate, character-focused approach. This evolution reflects the ongoing innovation in storytelling techniques and the diverse ways in which writers engage with their readers.

When learning about third person points of view, the most confusing element for new writers is the distinction between the different types of third-person viewpoints. All third person point of view is written using a detached and anonymous narrator, but the information the narrator possesses about the characters differs significantly between different types of viewpoint.

All third person points of view sit somewhere on an axis between subjective/objective and omniscient/limited.

We look at these in more detail below, but it is essential to understand that all third-person viewpoints will be between subjective and objective and omniscient and limited. In most cases, a viewpoint tends to be either subjective OR objective and omniscient OR limited. This is not always the case. Some narrative stances can move along these axes as the story progresses, but this is uncommon.

Third-Person Limited POV

In the Third-Person Limited POV , the narrator tells the story from the perspective of one character at a time. This approach provides insight into the thoughts and feelings of the focal character, while other characters are presented externally. It's akin to looking over the shoulder of the protagonist, experiencing the world and events through their eyes. This POV is particularly effective in creating a deep connection with the character while maintaining the authorial distance of third-person narration.

Third-Person Omniscient POV

The Third-Person Omniscient POV offers a 'godlike' perspective, where the narrator knows everything happening in the story world. This includes access to the thoughts, feelings, and backgrounds of all characters. It allows for a broad and all-encompassing view of the narrative, making it ideal for complex stories with multiple characters and intricate plots. The omniscient POV can provide a comprehensive understanding of the events and motivations behind characters' actions.

Third-Person Objective POV

The Third-Person Objective POV presents a more detached view. Here, the narrator reports events without delving into the internal thoughts or feelings of any character, akin to a camera recording the unfolding action. This style creates a sense of objectivity and is often used in journalistic writing or stories where the focus is more on events than on characters' internal experiences. It leaves much to the reader's interpretation, as they only witness actions and dialogues without being privy to the characters' internal states.

The third-person point of view offers unique advantages in various literary genres, each employing this perspective to enhance storytelling in distinct ways. From the expansive worlds of fantasy to the intricate character dynamics in romance, this point of view adapts to the needs of different narratives. Let's explore how the third-person POV is tailored to enrich the reader's experience in key genres like Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Mystery and Thriller, and Romance and Historical Fiction.

Fantasy and Sci-Fi

In Fantasy and Sci-Fi genres, the third-person point of view is pivotal for world-building and handling complex plotlines. It allows authors to introduce fantastical elements and expansive universes from a perspective that can encompass vast settings and multiple character arcs. The omniscient viewpoint is particularly useful in these genres, providing a godlike view of invented worlds and the intricate interplay of characters within them. For example, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series masterfully uses this POV to navigate a complex world with a large cast of characters.

Mystery and Thriller

For Mystery and Thriller novels, the third-person limited POV is often preferred. It allows readers to follow the protagonist's journey closely, unraveling mysteries and encountering surprises alongside them. This POV can also shift between characters, offering varied perspectives on the unfolding plot and enhancing the suspense. An excellent example of this is Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl , where the third-person limited perspective deepens the mystery and complexity of the narrative.

Romance and Historical Fiction

In Romance and Historical Fiction , the third-person limited POV is frequently used to delve deep into characters' emotions and relationships, while also providing historical context. It balances the intimacy of first-person with the broader scope of third-person, allowing for a detailed exploration of the characters' internal and external worlds. The narrative can switch between the perspectives of different characters, offering a comprehensive view of their emotions and the dynamics of their relationships. A notable example is Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice , which uses third-person limited POV to explore the nuances of romantic relationships and social dynamics of the era.

The third-person point of view stands out for its remarkable flexibility and adaptability in storytelling. This versatility allows writers to adjust the narrative's lens as needed, seamlessly shifting from an overarching, all-knowing perspective to a more focused, character-specific view. The third-person POV can provide a broad view of the story world and its various inhabitants or zoom in to offer a detailed, intimate portrayal of a single character's experiences and perceptions.

Its adaptability extends to how it can accommodate shifts in tone, perspective, and narrative depth. Writers can choose to narrate events in a straightforward, objective manner or adopt a more subjective approach, delving into the characters' innermost thoughts and feelings. This flexibility makes the third-person POV an excellent choice for a wide range of literary works, from intricate multi-character epics to deeply personal character studies.

Moreover, the third-person perspective can bridge the gap between the immersive, personal experience of the first-person POV and the broader, more inclusive scope of an omniscient narrator. It allows authors to maintain narrative consistency while still providing the freedom to explore the inner workings of their characters' minds or to step back and present events in a more detached, unbiased manner.

In the realm of narrative writing, choosing the right point of view (POV) is crucial for shaping the reader's experience. This section offers a comparative analysis of the third-person POV against the first and second-person perspectives. Each POV brings its unique flavor to storytelling, influencing the reader's connection with the narrative. Understanding these differences helps writers select the POV that best suits their storytelling goals.

Comparison with First Person

Compared to the first-person POV , where the story is told directly by a character using "I," the third-person POV provides more narrative flexibility. First-person narration offers an intimate, subjective view of the story, deeply immersing readers in the narrator's personal experiences and emotions. In contrast, third-person narration can offer varying degrees of objectivity and omniscience, enabling a wider view of the story world and multiple characters' perspectives.

Comparison with Second Person

The second-person POV , which addresses the reader as "you," creates a unique, direct engagement with the narrative, often placing the reader in the protagonist's shoes. This POV is less common and can offer an intense, immersive experience. The third-person POV, by comparison, provides a more traditional storytelling format, allowing readers to observe the story from a distance, without the direct involvement implied by second-person narration.

Balancing Perspective

Choosing between first, second, and third-person POVs depends on the desired narrative impact. The third-person POV strikes a balance between the intimate connection of first-person and the immersive directive of second-person. It can be tailored to either bring readers closer to the characters' inner worlds or provide a panoramic view of the story, making it a versatile tool for storytellers to achieve their desired narrative effect.

Third person point of view subjective narration involves a narrator with access to one or more character's personal feelings and thoughts. In other words, the narrator understands the thoughts and feelings of, at least, one character.

This is a common type of storytelling. The narrator typically focuses on one character (though not always), who is the main character.

A great example of Third-person subjective narration is Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea .

He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish. In the first forty days a boy had been with him. But after forty days without a fish the boy's parents had told him that the old man was now definitely and finally salao, which is the worst form of unlucky, and the boy had gone at their orders in another boat which caught three good fish the first week. It made the boy sad to see the old man come in each day with his skiff empty and he always went down to help him carry either the coiled lines or the gaff and harpoon and the sail that was furled around the mast. The sail was patched with flour sacks and, furled, it looked like the flag of permanent defeat.

Third person point of view objective narration sees the narrator not describing the feelings or thoughts of any characters but, rather, just the exact facts of the story.

The narrator tends to be very 'de-humanized' and detached from the story. This approach is often called "fly-on-the-wall" or "camera lens", since the narrator will describe events and actions but provide no explanation or character thoughts.

This type of viewpoint was popular in the 19th century with large, sweeping narratives. It is also occasionally called 'over the shoulder' narration. It sees the focus with one character and the narrator describing only the events perceived and information known by this character.

This approach is very similar to first-person, but produces a narrower and more claustrophobic version of the third person viewpoint.

Perhaps the most famous example of this type of third person viewpoint is Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway.

The hills across the valley of the Ebro' were long and white. On this side there was no shade and no trees and the station was between two lines of rails in the sun. Close against the side of the station there was the warm shadow of the building and a curtain, made of strings of bamboo beads, hung across the open door into the bar, to keep out flies. The American and the girl with him sat at a table in the shade, outside the building. It was very hot and the express from Barcelona would come in forty minutes. It stopped at this junction for two minutes and went on to Madrid. "What should we drink?" the girl asked. She had taken off her hat and put it on the table. "It's pretty hot," the man said.

Third person omniscient point of view is an approach that sees the narrator knowing everything that is happening within the story's world, including what each of the characters is thinking and feeling.

This viewpoint stance is very common and is used by some of the most famous writers, including Charles Dickens. It is the approach that works best when looking to produce complicated plots with deep, complex characters. One major drawback is that it is impossible to create an unreliable narrator since the reader has access to events, thoughts, and feelings throughout the world.

Below is the opening to Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities , an example of third person omniscient point of view.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

Third person limited point of view sees the narrator conveying the knowledge and subjective experience of just one character. In other words, the narrator is focussed on a single character and only knows this character.

This is a very common narrative approach and is, perhaps, the most common storytelling format for popular novels in the Twentieth Century. One of the most successful uses of First-person limited narration is J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

The example below is taken from Jack London's To Build a Fire .

"Day had dawned cold and gray when the man turned aside from the main Yukon trail. He climbed the high earth-bank where a little-traveled trail led east through the pine for- est. It was a high bank, and he paused to breathe at the top. He excused the act to himself by looking at his watch. It was nine o'clock in the morning. There was no sun or promise of sun, although there was not a cloud in the sky. It was a clear day. However, there seemed to be an indescribable darkness over the face of things. That was because the sun was absent from the sky. This fact did not worry the man. He was not alarmed by the lack of sun. It had been days since he had seen the sun."

Third person point of view offers several advantages and disadvantages to writers that should be considered when choosing the narrative voice for their work. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of this point of view can help writers make the best decision for their particular story. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of third person point of view:

Advantages:

Multiple perspectives: Third person point of view allows for the narrative to switch between different characters' perspectives, giving the reader a more well-rounded understanding of the events and emotions of the story. This can be particularly useful for complex stories with multiple protagonists or for exploring different sides of a conflict.

Objectivity: Third person point of view creates a more neutral and objective tone, allowing the reader to form their own opinions and judgments about the events and characters in the story. This can be especially important in writing that deals with controversial or sensitive subjects.

Distance: Third person point of view can provide a sense of distance between the narrator and the events of the story, making it easier for the reader to step back and analyze what is happening without being overly emotionally invested. This can be useful for conveying a more detached or analytical perspective.

Disadvantages:

Limited emotional connection: One of the main drawbacks of third person point of view is that it can be more difficult for the reader to form an emotional connection with the characters and events in the story. This can result in a less immersive and impactful reading experience.

Conveying inner thoughts and feelings: Another challenge with third person point of view is conveying the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters. In order to do this, the writer must use indirect methods such as dialogue, actions, and descriptions, which can be less effective than showing the reader directly what the characters are thinking and feeling.

Limited intimacy: Third person point of view can also create a sense of distance between the reader and the story, making it harder for the reader to become fully immersed in the world of the story. This can limit the intimacy and emotional impact of the writing.

In conclusion, third person point of view can be a powerful tool for writers, but it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully when making the decision to use it. Understanding the strengths and limitations of third person point of view can help writers make the best choice for their story and create the most effective narrative voice for their work.

For more information on the different types of third person point of view, you can refer to Wikipedia's article on third person point of view .

Understanding the distinctions between first, second, and third-person points of view is essential for writers aiming to choose the best narrative style for their story. This section provides a comparative view, highlighting how each POV uniquely shapes the narrative and influences the reader's experience.

The first-person POV offers a deep, personal insight into the narrator's mind, creating an intimate bond with the reader. The second-person POV , though less common, directly addresses the reader, often creating an immersive, interactive experience. The third-person POV , with its varying degrees of knowledge and objectivity, provides a more flexible and encompassing narrative tool. It allows writers to move seamlessly between the subjective experiences of characters and an objective, broader view of the story world.

Each POV has its strengths and is suited to different types of stories and narrative techniques. The choice depends on the story’s requirements and the experience the writer wishes to convey to the reader.

Below are some frequently asked questions that will provide you more information.

What is an example of a third person point of view?

In third-person point of view, the most common choice for writers, the narrator refers to all characters with third-person pronouns like 'he', 'she', or 'they'.. In other words, the narrator is not a character in a story and is a separate entity. For example, 'Jason used his pocket money to buy himself comic books.'

What is 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person examples?

First person uses the pronouns: I, me, my, mine, myself, we, our, ours, ourselves. Second person uses: You, your, yours, yourself. Third person uses: She, her, hers, herself, he, him, his, himself, they, them, themselves, their, theirs.

What are the 3 types of third person point of view?

• Third-person omniscient point of view.
• Third-person limited omniscient.
• Third-person objective.

These are all outlined in this article.

What is third person point of view in writing?

Third person point of view in writing refers to the narrator describing the events and characters in the story using third-person pronouns such as "he", "she", and "they".

What are the different types of third person point of view?

There are three types of third person point of view: third person limited, third person omniscient, and third person objective.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using third person point of view in writing?

Advantages of third person point of view in writing include the ability to easily switch between different characters' perspectives, and creating a more neutral and objective tone. Disadvantages include limited emotional connection with the reader and difficulty conveying the inner thoughts and feelings of characters.

The majority of mainstream novels published are written in third person. The chances are that if you have never considered viewpoint when writing your novel, then you are writing in third person point of view.

The biggest choice faced by many writers will be what type of third person point of view to adopt. Here, the most common choice is third-person limited, with a focus on a single character.

Perhaps the most important factor in deciding which narrative viewpoint to adopt is the type of story you are trying to tell. Stories with wide, overarching, and epic storylines tend to suit third person omniscient point of view. However, closer, more personal stories may well be better suited to third-person limited.

Third person point of view is not the only kid on the block. You might also consider writing from first person point of view. This is when the narrator and character are the same person The main advantage of first person point of view is that you are able tell a story in a way that allows the reader to connect fully with the main character. The main disadvantage of first person point of view is that it can sometimes be difficult to pass information to the reader if the main character is unaware of that information. You can read this article to find out more about first person point of view.

If you are looking for professional feedback on your novel, we can provide affordable book editing . Alternatively, our mentoring service allows you to work one-on-one with a professional editor.

Further Reading

• What Is 1st Person 2nd Person 3rd Person With Examples
• What Are The Three Points Of View?
• What Is The Point Of View?
• Mastering The Second Person Viewpoint: A Comprehensive Guide To Engaging Your Readers
• Mastering Point Of View In Writing: A Comprehensive Guide
• First Person Point Of View A Comprehensive Overview For Writers [Including Examples]

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Writing in Third Person: How to, When to, and Why

When it comes to writing, the third person is one of the most commonly used points of view. This point of view allows readers to get inside the heads of multiple characters and can make stories more immersive and engaging.

But, how do you write third person? When should you use the third person instead of the first or second? We will answer all of those questions in this blog post and more!

What Is Writing In Third Person?

How to write in third person about yourself, when should you write in third person, how to write in third person omniscient, why do authors write in third person, are biographies written in third person.

Writing in the third person point of view is when the writer tells the story using third-person pronouns like "he" or "she".

It gives the story a more objective perspective and can be less confusing for the reader.

When done well, it can make the story more engaging by giving the reader a different perspective on the events.

However, some people struggle to write in the third person, as they have to keep track of the thoughts and actions of all the different characters in the story.

This may not sound like a difficult task; however, you need to once you decide to write in third person, you need to remain consistent throughout the entire story.

When writing about yourself in the third person, it's important to maintain a consistent point of view. You don't want to switch back and forth between the first and third person within the same sentence or paragraph.

To stay in the third person, use pronouns like "he," "she," and "it," and avoid using words like "I" and "me." For example, you might write, "She went for a run this morning" instead of "I went for a run this morning."

It can be helpful to think of yourself as if you're someone else observing yourself from the outside. This will help you stay in the third person when describing your own actions and thoughts.

Now that you know how to write in third person point of view, when should you use third person?

The third person point of view is most commonly used in fiction writing, but it can also be used when writing non-fiction or even when writing about yourself.

If you're not sure whether or not to write in third person, consider these three factors:

- Who is your audience?

- What tone do you want to set?

- What point of view will best suit your story?

If you're writing for a professional or academic audience, third person is often the best choice. It can help you sound more objective and less biased.

If you're writing a more personal piece, such as a memoir, you might want to consider writing in a first-person point of view. This will allow you to share your personal thoughts and experiences more directly with the reader.

When it comes to setting a tone, third person can be either formal or informal. It all depends on how you use pronouns and other third-person words.

For example, using third-person pronouns like "they," "them," and "their" can make your writing sound more objective.

On the other hand, using third-person pronouns like "he," "she," and "him" can make your writing sound more personal.

Ultimately, the best point of view for your story will be the one that allows you to tell your story most effectively.

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing in third person omniscient point of view. First, you need to know everything about your story and all of its characters.

This can be difficult to do if you haven’t planned everything out ahead of time. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the plot and all of the motivations for each character before beginning to write. 

Second, while it is called “third-person omniscient,” this doesn’t mean that the narrator knows everything about every character.

The narrator can only know what each individual character knows. This is important to remember when writing dialogue and internal thoughts for each character. What one character knows will be different from what another character knows. 

Many authors choose to write in third person point of view because it gives them a greater sense of objectivity. When an author writes in first person, they can only relate events that they personally experienced or witnessed.

However, when an author writes in third person, they can include events that took place outside of their own experience.

This can be particularly useful for historical fiction or other genres that rely heavily on research. In addition, third person point of view can help to create a more omniscient narrator, which can be beneficial for certain types of stories.

Finally, some authors simply find it easier to write in third person point of view because it allows them to distance themselves from their characters.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that there are many advantages to writing in a third person point of view.

Yes. A biography is written in third person to provide a more objective and detached perspective of the subject. It allows readers to get a more holistic understanding of the person's life without being filtered through the subjective lens of the author.

Third person point of view can be helpful for biographers because it allows them to explore different aspects of their subject's life without becoming emotionally attached or invested in one particular perspective.

It also provides a broader scope for storytelling, as opposed to first or second person which tend to be more limited in focus.

An autobiography, on the other hand, is usually written from a first-person point of view. This is because an autobiography is typically more personal and intimate than a biography.

The author wants readers to feel as though they are getting to know them on a personal level, and third-person would not allow for that same level of connection.

However, there are exceptions to every rule. If an author feels more comfortable or believes that their story will be better served by writing in third person, then they are certainly free to do so.

There is no hard and fast rule that says biographies must be written in the third person and autobiographies must be written in the first person. It ultimately comes down to the author's preference.

About The Author

Arielle Phoenix

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How to Write in Third Person

Last Updated: May 10, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alicia Cook . Alicia Cook is a Professional Writer based in Newark, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience, Alicia specializes in poetry and uses her platform to advocate for families affected by addiction and to fight for breaking the stigma against addiction and mental illness. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Georgian Court University and an MBA from Saint Peter’s University. Alicia is a bestselling poet with Andrews McMeel Publishing and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Post, CNN, USA Today, the HuffPost, the LA Times, American Songwriter Magazine, and Bustle. She was named by Teen Vogue as one of the 10 social media poets to know and her poetry mixtape, “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,139,119 times.

Writing in third person can be a simple task, with a little practice. For academic purposes, third person writing means that the writer must avoid using subjective pronouns like “I” or “you.” For creative writing purposes, there are differences between third person omniscient, limited, objective, and episodically limited points of view. Choose which one fits your writing project.

Writing Third Person Point of View

The third-person point of view discusses the person or people being talked about in academic or creative writing. In this perspective, you’d shift focus from subject to subject. Use pronouns like he/him, she/her, they/them, or it/itself.

Writing in Third Person Academically

• Third person helps the writing stay focused on facts and evidence instead of personal opinion.

• Third person pronouns include: he, she, it; his, her, its; him, her, it; himself, herself, itself; they; them; their; themselves.
• Names of other people are also considered appropriate for third person use.
• Example: “ Smith believes differently. According to his research, earlier claims on the subject are incorrect.”

• First person pronouns include: I, me, my, mine, myself, we, us, our, ours, ourselves. [3] X Research source
• The problem with first person is that, academically speaking, it sounds too personalized and too subjective. In other words, it may be difficult to convince the reader that the views and ideas being expressed are unbiased and untainted by personal feelings. Many times, when using first person in academic writing, people use phrases like "I think," "I believe," or "in my opinion."
• Incorrect example: “Even though Smith thinks this way, I think his argument is incorrect.”
• Correct example: “Even though Smith thinks this way, others in the field disagree.”

• Second person pronouns include: you, your, yours, yourself. [4] X Research source
• One main problem with second person is that it can sound accusatory. It runs to risk of placing too much responsibility on the shoulders of the reader specifically and presently reading the work.
• Incorrect example: “If you still disagree nowadays, then you must be ignorant of the facts.”
• Correct example: “Someone who still disagrees nowadays must be ignorant of the facts.”

• Indefinite third person nouns common to academic writing include: the writer, the reader, individuals, students, a student, an instructor, people, a person, a woman, a man, a child, researchers, scientists, writers, experts.
• Example: “In spite of the challenges involved, researchers still persist in their claims.”
• Indefinite third person pronouns include: one, anyone, everyone, someone, no one, another, any, each, either, everybody, neither, nobody, other, anybody, somebody, everything, someone.
• Incorrect example: "You might be tempted to agree without all the facts."
• Correct example: “ One might be tempted to agree without all the facts.”
• This is usually done in an attempt to avoid the gender-specific “he” and “she” pronouns. The mistake here would be to use the “they” pronoun with singular conjugation. [5] X Research source
• Incorrect example: “The witness wanted to offer anonymous testimony. They was afraid of getting hurt if their name was spread.”
• Correct example: “The witness wanted to offer anonymous testimony. They were afraid of getting hurt if their name was spread.”

Writing in Third Person Omniscient

• For instance, a story may include four major characters: William, Bob, Erika, and Samantha. At various points throughout the story, the thoughts and actions of each character should be portrayed. These thoughts can occur within the same chapter or block of narration.
• Writers of omniscient narratives should be conscious of “head-hopping” — that is, shifting character perspectives within a scene. While this does not technically break the rules of Third Person Omniscience, it is widely considered a hallmark of narrative laziness.

• In a sense, the writer of a third person omniscient story is somewhat like the “god” of that story. The writer can observe the external actions of any character at any time, but unlike a limited human observer, the writer can also peek into the inner workings of that character at will, as well.
• Know when to hold back. Even though a writer can reveal any information they choose to reveal, it may be more beneficial to reveal some things gradually. For instance, if one character is supposed to have a mysterious aura, it would be wise to limit access to that character's inner feelings for a while before revealing his or her true motives.

• Do not use first person and second person points of view in the narrative or descriptive portions of the text.
• Correct example: Bob said to Erika, “I think this is creepy. What do you think?”
• Incorrect example: I thought this was creepy, and Bob and Erika thought so, too. What do you think?

Writing in Third Person Limited

• The thoughts and feelings of other characters remain an unknown for the writer throughout the duration of the text. There should be no switching back and forth between characters for this specific type of narrative viewpoint.
• Unlike first person, where the narrator and protagonist are the same, third person limited puts a critical sliver of distance between protagonist and narrator. The writer has the choice to describe one main character’s nasty habit — something they wouldn’t readily reveal if the narration were left entirely to them.

• In other words, do not use first person pronouns like “I,” “me,” “my,” “we,” or “our” outside of dialog. The main character's thoughts and feelings are transparent to the writer, but that character should not double as a narrator.
• Correct example: “Tiffany felt awful after the argument with her boyfriend.”
• Correct example: “Tiffany thought, “I feel awful after that argument with my boyfriend.”
• Incorrect example: “I felt awful after the argument with my boyfriend.”

• Note that the writer can offer insight or guesses regarding the thoughts of other characters, but those guesses must be presented through the perspective of the main character.
• Correct example: “Tiffany felt awful, but judging by the expression on Carl's face, she imagined that he felt just as bad if not worse.”
• Incorrect example: “Tiffany felt awful. What she didn't know was that Carl felt even worse.”

• Correct example: “Tiffany watched from the window as Carl walked up to her house and rang the doorbell.”
• Incorrect example: “As soon as Tiffany left the room, Carl let out a sigh of relief.”

Writing in Episodically Limited Third Person

• Limit the amount of pov characters you include. You don't want to have too many characters that confuse your reader or serve no purpose. Each pov character should have a specific purpose for having a unique point of view. Ask yourself what each pov character contributes to the story.
• For instance, in a romance story following two main characters, Kevin and Felicia, the writer may opt to explain the inner workings of both characters at different moments in the story.
• One character may receive more attention than any other, but all main characters being followed should receive attention at some point in the story.

• Multiple perspectives should not appear within the same narrative space. When one character's perspective ends, another character's can begin. The two perspectives should not be intermixed within the same space.
• Incorrect example: “Kevin felt completely enamored of Felicia from the moment he met her. Felicia, on the other hand, had difficulty trusting Kevin.”

• In a novel-length work, a good time to switch perspective is at the start of a new chapter or at a chapter break.
• The writer should also identify the character whose perspective is being followed at the start of the section, preferably in the first sentence. Otherwise, the reader may waste too much energy guessing.
• Correct example: “Felicia hated to admit it, but the roses Kevin left on her doorstep were a pleasant surprise.”
• Incorrect example: “The roses left on the doorstep seemed like a nice touch.”

• For instance, if Kevin had a talk with Felicia's best friend about Felicia's feelings for him, Felicia herself would have no way of knowing what was said unless she witnessed the conversation or heard about it from either Kevin or her friend.

Writing in Third Person Objective

• There does not need to be a single main character to focus on. The writer can switch between characters, following different characters throughout the course of the narrative, as often as needed.
• Stay away from first person terms like “I” and second person terms like “you” in the narrative, though. Only use first and second person within dialog.

• Imagine that you are an invisible bystander observing the actions and dialog of the characters in your story. You are not omniscient, so you do not have access to any character's inner thoughts and feelings. You only have access to each character's actions.
• Correct example: “After class, Graham hurriedly left the room and rushed back to his dorm room.”
• Incorrect example: “After class, Graham raced from the room and rushed back to his dorm room. The lecture had made him so angry that he felt as though he might snap at the next person he met.”

• Correct example: “When no one else was watching her, Isabelle began to cry.”
• Incorrect example: “Isabelle was too prideful to cry in front of other people, but she felt completely broken-hearted and began crying once she was alone.”

• Let the reader draw his or her own conclusions. Present the actions of the character without analyzing them or explaining how those actions should be viewed.
• Correct example: “Yolanda looked over her shoulder three times before sitting down.”
• Incorrect example: “It might seem like a strange action, but Yolanda looked over her shoulder three times before sitting down. This compulsive habit is an indication of her paranoid state of mind.”

Examples of Third Person POV

Expert Q&A

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• ↑ https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/point-of-view-in-academic-writing.aspx
• ↑ http://studysupportresources.port.ac.uk/Writing%20in%20the%20third%20peson.pdf
• ↑ http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/third_person.htm
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/use-the-singular-they/
• ↑ Alicia Cook. Professional Writer. Expert Interview. 11 December 2020.
• ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/point-of-view-first-second-third-person-difference
• ↑ https://ojs.library.dal.ca/YAHS/article/viewFile/7236/6278

About This Article

To write in third person, refer to people or characters by name or use third person pronouns like he, she, it; his, her, its; him, her, it; himself, herself, itself; they; them; their; and themselves. Avoid first and second person pronouns completely. For academic writing, focus on a general viewpoint rather than a specific person's to keep things in third person. In other types of writing, you can write in third person by shifting your focus from character to character or by focusing on a single character. To learn more from our Literary Studies Ph.D., like the differences between third person omniscient and third person limited writing, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to write in third-person

Although there are three narratives you can use in any form of writing when it comes to your papers and anything academic you produce, it’s best to choose the third-person. It’s pretty simple with a bit of practice, but if you’re completely new to this writing style, here’s what you need to know about how to write in third-person.

What does writing in third-person mean?

Writing in third-person is one of the three styles you can use when describing a point of view. Even though you might not know it, chances are you’ve used first, second and third person in writing projects throughout your education.

It’s a narrative where you’re totally independent of the subject you’re analyzing and writing about. You don’t take sides. You don’t try to influence what readers feel. It’s a completely unbiased, objective way of writing that tells a story or dissects a topic right down the middle.

There’s a lot of information out there about how you can differentiate between the three in roundabout ways, making it unnecessarily complicated. Here’s a quick breakdown to understand the differences for when you write your following paper:

First-person

This is from the I/we perspective. It’s where we talk about us , ourselves, and our opinions. If we go down the first-person route, writing will include pronouns like I , me , myself, and mine .

Second-person

This point of view belongs to the person you’re addressing — so its a you perspective. In your writing, you’d use second-person pronouns such as you , your, and yourselves .

Third-person

The third-person point of view is aimed at the person or people being talked about, which is the type of writing you’d find in stories. In this perspective, you’d use pronouns like he , she , him , her , his , hers , himself , herself , it , them , their, and themselves . Or, you’d use a name. But that tends to happen more in stories than research papers.

Notice the difference between the three?

When to write in third-person

The third-person point of view tells the reader a story and it’s often the go-to when you’re taking an authoritative stance in your papers, which is why it’s so common in academic writing.

So, always choose the third-person stance when writing academic copy, such as essays and research papers.

The reason for this is it’ll make your papers less personal and more objective, meaning the objectivity will make you come across as more credible and less biased. Ultimately, this will help your grades as the third-person view keeps you focused on evidence and facts instead of your opinion.

You can break third-person perspectives into three other types, including omniscient, limited, and objective. Although they’re more associated with creative writing than academic work and essays, your writing is likely to fall under the third-person objective point of view.

A third-person objective point of view is about being neutral and presenting your findings and research in an observational way, rather than influencing the reader with your opinions.

How to use the third-person point of view

Rule number one: Never refer to yourself in your essay in the third-person. That’s a no-no.

For instance, here’s how you shouldn’t write a sentence in your essay if you’re writing about virtual learning as an example.

“I feel like students perform better at home because they have more freedom and are more comfortable.”

It’s a simple sentence, but there’s a lot wrong with it when you’re talking about research papers and adopting a third-person narrative. Why? Because you’re using first-person pronouns and, as it sounds like an opinion, you can’t back up your claims with a stat or any credible research. There’s no substance to it whatsoever.

Also, it isn’t very assertive. The person marking your work won’t be impressed by “I feel like,” because it shows no authority and highlights that it came from your brain and not anywhere of note.

By including terms like “I think” or “I feel” like in the example above, you’re already off to a bad start.

But when you switch that example to the third-person point of view, you can cite your sources , which is precisely what you need to do in your essays and research papers to achieve higher grades.

Let’s switch that sentence up and expand it using the third-person point of view:

“A psychological study from Karrie Goodwin shows that students thrive in virtual classrooms as it offers flexibility. They can make their own hours and take regular breaks. Another study from high school teacher, Ashlee Trip, highlighted that children enjoy freedom, the ability to work at their own pace and decide what their day will look like.”

With a third-person narrative, you can present evidence to the reader and back up the claims you make. So, it not only shows what you know, but it also shows you took the time to research and strengthen your paper with credible resources and facts — not just opinions.

6 tips for writing in third-person

1. understand your voice won’t always shine in your essays.

Every single piece of writing tends to have a voice or point of view as if you’re speaking to the reader directly. However, that can’t always happen in academic writing as it’s objective compared to a novel, for example. Don’t try to ‘fluff’ up your piece to try and cram your personality in, as your academic work doesn’t need it.

2. Don’t focus on yourself or the reader — focus on the text

An academic piece of work always has a formal tone as it’s objective. When you write your next paper, focus on the writing itself rather than the writer or the reader.

3. Coach yourself out of using first-person pronouns

This is easier said than done if all you’ve ever done is first- or second-person writing. When you write your next paper, scan through it to see if you’ve written anything in first-person and replace it with the third-person narrative.

Here are a few regular offenders that pop up in academic papers — along with how you can switch the statements to third-person:

• I argue should be this essay argues
• I found that should be it was found that
• We researched should be the group researched
• I will also analyze should be topic X will also be analyzed

The same applies to second-person, as there are plenty of cases where it tends to slip through in academic writing. Again, it’s pretty straightforward to switch the more you practice. For instance:

• Your paper will be marked higher if you use a citation tool should be the use of a citation tool will improve one’s grades

4. Be as specific as possible

This is where things can get a little bit confusing. Writing in third-person is all about including pronouns like he, she, it, and they. However, using them towards the beginning of sentences can be pretty vague and might even confuse the reader — this is the last thing you want from your essay or paper.

Instead, try using nouns towards the beginning of sentences. For example, use the actual subject, such as the interviewer or the writer, rather than he, she, or they when you begin the sentence.

The same applies to terms like it. Start the sentence with the ‘it’ is that you’re describing. If it’s a citation tool, begin the sentence by referencing what you’re discussing, so you aren’t vague. Clarity is key.

5. Write in the present tense when using third-person

In any form of academic writing, you need to write your reports, essays, and research papers in the present tense, especially when introducing different subjects or findings.

So, rather than saying “This paper analyzed” (which does seem correct as technically that part was in the past and the writing is in the present), you should write “This report analyzes” — as if you’re analyzing right here and now.

However, the difference is when you highlight how you did the research, that should be in the past tense. This means you’d use third-person phrases like “The equipment that was used” or “The results were analyzed by”, for instance.

6. Avoid adding your own thoughts

If your report is on a subject that’s close to your heart, it can be super tempting to sprinkle in your own thoughts. It’s a challenge, but you need to coach yourself out of it.

In academic writing, you aren’t a commentator. You’re a reporter. You need to let readers draw their conclusions without over-analyzing them or making the reader lean one way or another.

The easiest way to get to grips with writing your academic papers in the third-person is to be consistent and practice often. Criticize your work and analyze it until it becomes the norm. Yes, it can be a little complex in the early days, but before you know it, you’d have mastered the technique, helping you take your papers and reports up a level.

Frequently Asked Questions about writing in third-person

In third-person, you’d use pronouns like he , she , him , her , his , hers , himself , herself , it , them , their, and themselves . Or, you’d use a name.

You is used in second person and is therefore not used in third person. The second person is used for the person that is being addressed.

The third-person point of view is aimed at the person or people being talked about, which is the type of writing you’d find in stories. When writing in third-person view, make sure to write in the present tense and avoid adding your own thoughts.

When writing in third person, you should actually always write in the present tense since you are mostly presenting results in this view.

The second person point of view belongs to the person you’re addressing — so its a you perspective. In your writing, you’d use second-person pronouns such as you , your, and yourselves .

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How to start a novel in third person: 7 tips

There is no basic formula for how to start a novel in third person. Yet working with third person POV presents specific choices, challenges and advantages. Here are 7 tips for beginning a book in third person:

• Post author By Jordan
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There is no basic formula for how to start a novel in third person. Yet working with third person POV presents specific choices, challenges and advantages. Here are 7 tips for beginning a book in third person:

1: Choose between third person limited, objective and omniscient

In a previous post, we defined and discussed different points of view . Once you have the basic premise of your story and you know where the first scene takes place and which characters it will involve, you need to choose how you our narrative style and create a distinctive voice for the narrator’s omniscient perspective.

In third person narration, the predominant pronouns describing the action of the story are ‘he’, ‘she’, and ‘they’. Third person narration may be ‘person limited’, ‘objective/uninvolved’ or an ‘omniscient narrator’ (or third person objective).

‘Limited’ third person narration isn’t told directly by the viewpoint character (there is no ‘I’ telling the story). Yet in third-person limited point of view limited we still see the story from the character’s perspective, even though the narrator stands outside the character, describing their actions.

e narrative voice belongs to the focal character. Third-person pronouns include ‘he’, ‘she’,  ‘they’ and them. This can work particularly well in mystery novels where holding back facts can heighten the suspense. For example, an omniscient narrator could be used for dramatic irony. For example: ‘She didn’t know, going into work that day, that her life was about to change completely.’  Or, ‘As he inserted the key in the lock of his apartment, he didn’t know that the killer was waiting for him in the kitchen.’

JK Rowling uses third-person limited narration in the Harry Potter novels, primarily following Harry’s perspective.

Ursula Le Guin describes how this type of third person narration is ‘limited’ concisely:

‘Only what the viewpoint character knows, feels, perceives, thinks, guesses, hopes, remembers, etc., can be told. The reader can infer what other people feel and are only from what the viewpoint character observes of their behaviour.’ ( Steering the Craft , pg. 85)

Le Guin notes how third person limited is similar to first person narration:

‘Tactically, limited third is identical to first person. It has exactly the same essential limitation: that nothing can be seen, known, or told except what the narrator sees, knows, and tells. That limitation concentrates the voice and gives apparent authenticity.’ (p. 85)

Objective third person narration, by contrast, does not give the narrator access to characters’ private thoughts and subjective feelings. The narrator is like the lens of a camera or a fly on a wall, merely recording what characters say and do without explicitly telling the reader about characters’ private emotional worlds.

Besides limited or objective third person narration, you can start a story in third-person omniscient point of view. Omniscient is similar to limited third person in that the narrator stands outside each viewpoint character, describing their words, deeds and inner monologues. Unlike limited third, however, in omniscient narration you can switch between characters’ viewpoints, even within a scene.  Using this type of narration, you can describe a room of a home or a landscape even when there is no character present to observe it, too. In this the narrator acts as an all-seeing eye.

Choosing a type of third person narration for your novel beginning will depend on the structure and ensemble in your first scene. Omniscient narration is effective when there are multiple, equally important characters present at the start of the story (such as a band of adventurers in a fantasy novel). Here, omniscient narration enables you to show how different characters feel. This multi-voiced narration is useful because you can develop multiple strong characters who each have their own individual arcs that unfold simultaneously. ou could write it in scenes, with each point of view (PoV character) ‘telling’ the story.

An interesting point to consider is that an omniscient narrator could even include ‘dear reader’ comments, as found in the novels of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.

Alternatively, if you have a central protagonist who is the star of the story, limited third works well. Telling the story via a single, strong consciousness helps create connection between the reader and your main character.

2: Begin with character action and description that raises questions

Beginning authors often start third person stories with extensive backstory and character sketching. There’s no unbreakable rule that you can’t  ever do this. The danger, however, is that the beginning of the book will feel very obviously introductory. It shouts ‘I will now introduce you to my characters.’

You could  show the reader a character and tell them ‘here is what makes this character unique.’ Yet you could also show a character doing or saying something that creates interesting questions. The latter option helps to avoid the sense of an info dump. Ideally, your third person opening will introduce the reader to a specific scenario that helps readers see how your character’s situation promises further revelation, excitement or high drama.

In a third person scene opening, it helps to think about your character’s immediate goal(s) for the scene as well as long-range goals as well as to show character development. For example, you could describe a character racing to get to a crucial exam venue. This is the ‘scene goal’. The ‘arc goal’ (contributed to by the ‘scene goal’) could be your character’s ultimate career objective.

In addition to creating interest in characters’ actions, approach introductory description in third person with a light touch:

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3: Avoid introductory character descriptions that read as lists

When introducing characters in third person, it’s easy to go overboard on itemized character descriptions. ‘Jules was five feet tall and wore her hair in a ponytail. She had a loud laugh that frightened away birds and only hated two things: gym class and small, yappy dogs.’

This isn’t necessarily ‘wrong’ yet you could show many of these details in the course of the story rather than tell them all upfront. It’s easier to get lost in a story when we’re allowed to see character detail emerge alongside story events.Where possible, reveal character description in relation to the immediate action in a scene.

4: Remember not to use dialogue attribution in third person unless necessary

In learning how to start a novel in third person, dialogue is often an excellent choice. Characters’ voices lend some of the immediacy of first person narration. What’s more, you can avoid a build-up of repetitive ‘he’ or ‘she’ pronouns.

In opening scenes in third person, it can be tempting to overuse dialogue attribution to show who is speaking. Compare these two examples:

They were sitting quietly when Jules burst out laughing. Two birds that had been pecking in rings closer to the bench took off for the nearest tree. Gary, who had jumped a little himself, eyed her sidelong. ‘What’s so funny?’ he asked. ‘I was just thinking,’ she replied, ‘about what you said during assembly this morning.’

Compare the dialogue above to the following:

… Gary, who had jumped a little himself, eyed her sidelong. ‘What’s so funny?’ ‘I was just thinking about what you said in assembly this morning.’

The latter dialogue example is preferable. The words ‘he asked’ and ‘she replied’ are unnecessary. It’s clear from the question mark and the context that Gary is asking a question related to Jules’ outburst and it’s similarly clear it is Jules speaking in the reply.

When you begin a story in third person, remember that you don’t have to constantly remind the reader that there is a ‘he’ or a ‘she’ uttering each line. Instead, attribute statements by making characters address each other and by using context – surrounding actions and gestures.

5: Balance introducing character and setting

At the start of a third person narrative, it can be tempting to describe a character’s internal monologue exhaustively. Sometimes this results in thin scene setting. So much of the narrative focuses on characters’ feelings and plans that a sense of place is scant.

Alternatively, the freeing element of writing in third person can have the opposite effect. Since sticking to a single character’s perspective isn’t a constraint, you might give pages of introductory scene description.

Developing scene setting through character actions is an effective way to introduce characters and balance setting with character description. For example, compare the following:

‘The room was rubble, the scene of a colourful wrecking. Building blocks covered the floor. She would have to tidy it all up.’

‘She picked her way through the colourful rubble, surveying the aftermath. A bright yellow block jabbed her in the arch of her foot. She would have to tidy it all up.’

In the latter, we get the sense of a child’s play room as setting and a sense of the character’s weariness and physical presence at the same time. This balancing of setting and character is especially important at the start of a story where you are establishing your fictional world and its inhabitants.

6: Don’t make the narrator’s voice too intrusive

Starting a novel in first person is all about intrusive narration. The narrating ‘I’ is giving us access to their innermost thoughts and impressions. In third person narration, though, the narrator should be only lightly felt.

There are exceptions to every rule, however. You might choose to use a third person narrator who addresses the reader directly deliberately as a device. Still, if you want to create a sense of realism, it’s important to not make your narrator self-aware.

7: Learn from great examples of third person story openings

To learn how to start a novel in third person, the best thing to do is to read the openings of published novels that use third person POV effectively . There is no single ‘right’ way to start a story in first person. Reading examples by respected authors will help you gain a clearer sense of available approaches, though.

George Eliot, for example, in the classic novel Middlemarch , flouts tip number 3. Her introductory third person character description is fairly list-like:

‘Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress. Her hand and wrist were so finely formed that she could wear sleeves not less bare of style than those in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to Italian painters; and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments.’

Eliot’s story beginning is still effective as she moves from the general to the particular, which has the descriptive effect of zooming in on Dorothea Brooke with a telescope. At first Eliot describes Dorothea as having natural beauty plain clothes amplify. Eliot progresses to describe details, comparing Dorothea’s hands and wrists to details from paintings by Italian masters. Through all this, the reader forms a vivid impression of Dorothea, even before the character speaks.

Modern readers might be more impatient with lengthy descriptions. Here is an example of a story beginning in third person that cuts straight to the action, from Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed historical novel Wolf Hall :

‘So now get up. Felled, dazed, silent, he has fallen; knocked full length on the cobbles of the yard. His head turns sideways; his eyes are turned towards the gate, as if someone might arrive to help him out. One blow, properly placed, could kill him now.’

Mantel’s opening fits the advice under heading number 5 above. It balances character description and setting. A sense of the character being in a dire predicament unfolds together with a keen sense of place – the cobbled yard. The overall effect is to make the scene vivid. Mantel also does not over-rely on the pronoun ‘he’. Instead, she creates strong sentences using active adjectives (‘felled, dazed, silent’) and varied sentence subjects.

Read through third person story openings and write down your own observations about what they do effectively. Ask what questions they raise, what story developments they promise, and how the writer uses third person.

Share your favourite third person story opening in the comments, then get feedback on your own story beginning from Now Novel’s helpful writing community.

Related Posts:

• How to start a story in first person: 8 pointers
• Writing third person limited POV: Tips and examples
• First person narrative: 7 tips for writing great narrators
• Tags how to start a story , POV , third person narration

Jordan is a writer, editor, community manager and product developer. He received his BA Honours in English Literature and his undergraduate in English Literature and Music from the University of Cape Town.

8 replies on “How to start a novel in third person: 7 tips”

this is amazing. I need help editing my third person novel right now

Hi Marissa, if you mean a narrator who addresses the reader directly, there’s the famous ‘Reader, I married him’ in Jane Eyre. Generally intrusive narrators who break the fourth wall and talk to the reader directly are quite uncommon these days (they were used often in realist novels in the 19th Century). Holden Caulfield is another more modern example in Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye (in fact the book opens with Holden cautioning the reader on their expectations of his story). Good luck with it!

I meant in a third person novel. I’m confused on what is considered a POV error when it comes to writing 3rd person limited.

I’m attempting to write my autobiography, do these same rules apply in this form of writing? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I think these rules apply more to fiction writing than autobiographies

It’s far more common to use first-person POV in autobiography, however Roland Barthes wrote his autobiography ‘Roland Barthes by Roland Barthes’ in the third person, commenting on the fact that one can feel like a character when writing about oneself (in the front-pages, he writes ‘All of this should be read as if spoken by someone in a novel’). I hope your autobiography has come a long way!

This was quite helpful. I’m writing a fantasy novel and I just know where to begin. I am a very amature writer and I wanted to get a book right for once. So thanks a lot. I took your tip in reading a couple 3rd person novels and it’s given me some ideas. Thanks!

Hi Lilly, we’re so glad to hear that! Good luck with your fantasy novel 🙂

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The Pros & Cons Of Writing In Third Person

Writers Write is a writing resource. In this post, we look at the pros and cons of writing in third person.

I have discussed first and second person during the last two weeks, this week I want to talk about third person . Remember, the viewpoint you use will either bring your readers closer or take them further away from your story. First and second, for example, are closer than third person – attached or omniscient – or a narrator.

We use the pronouns he, she, it, and they, for third person. We often use third person in crime and romance novels. Back in the day, before self-publishing, we had to cater to very rigid genre demands, but as the rules of genre and of writing in general change and evolve your choice of viewpoint is, mostly, up to you and your story. We have a lot more room to play.

Consider this example of third person attached or limited:

The pros & cons of writing in third person.

Third person seems to be common ground, for readers and writers. It is a space where most people are comfortable. You can divide third person into attached, omniscient and narrator.

Third person attached gives you one person’s perspective. You, attach the ‘camera’ to their shoulder and tell everything from their perspective. As with first person, the telling of the events will be biased according to their experiences, upbringing, age or gender. Unreliable narrators can completely alter the events to suit themselves.

Third person omniscient is a know-all, tell-all viewpoint. Instead of attaching the camera to one character, the camera hovers over the story. The camera, who is the teller, knows everything. This doesn’t mean the reader knows everything upfront, it is up to the omniscient teller to reveal details as they see fit.

A narrator is an observer. He tells us a character goes into a store, but he doesn’t know why. He can only tell us what he sees, he can’t explain the motivations behind the character’s actions. It makes for a non-judgemental telling.

Six Rules For Writing In Third Person

• You can use multiple viewpoin t characters to tell your story. All types of third person viewpoint can be used for more than one character, but be careful. The golden rule is to stick to one character per scene. Do not head-hop.
• Your characters must be distinct. If they all sound the same, I won’t believe your story. Your characters will be dull and flat.
• Do not choose too many viewpoint characters. The fewer viewpoint characters you have, the stronger your story will be. There are, of course exceptions, but as a beginner, I’d encourage you not to use more than three.
• Try not to make every character a viewpoint character. It is annoying getting to know a character in a scene and then never seeing or hearing from them again. Viewpoint characters should make frequent long appearances in books.
• You’ll know which viewpoint character to use for which scene by establishing which character experiences the biggest emotional change. This should be the viewpoint character.
• Make sure your character doesn’t have information they shouldn’t have. How does your character know the secret for example? Just because the narrator knows and the reader knows it doesn’t necessarily put your character in a place where they will know. Consider an affair. If the ‘cheater’ is a viewpoint character, the reader will be aware of the subterfuge, but the spouse can still be blissfully ignorant. How will they find out?

Have fun with your viewpoint. Challenge yourself; we tend fall into ruts because we repeat the same thing. Changing viewpoint is a great way to spice things up.

Example of third person omniscient:

Example of third person attached:, example of first person:, example of second person:.

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If you enjoyed this post, you will love:

• The Pros And Cons Of Writing In First Person
• The Pros And Cons Of Writing In Second Person
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0 thoughts on “The Pros & Cons Of Writing In Third Person”

Great article, Mia! Thank you for the much needed insight, I know the groups I have joined (and stayed on) discuss this often.

Thanks for your examples above if writing in 1 st, 2nd, and 3rd person.

Some helpful advice and good things to think about, but I disagree with some of it. Film has the luxury of (usually) not being inside characters’ heads, and thus it has more freedom to jump around to any scene involving anyone without a main character present. We can see things a main character did not witness. I don’t see how it’s a bad thing if a book does the same thing, as long as it’s done well. If the story you want to tell NEEDS to be able to jump to many scenes involving many people, go for it. It’s silly to limit yourself and it’d be even sillier if books were not allowed to tell those kinds of stories. I don’t think it’s necessarily annoying to have a short-lived pov that never pops up again. Viewpoints don’t need to be frequent and long if it’s obvious this is just a small scene with one-off characters. Though I guess these small scenes don’t always need to be inside someone’s head and can just be omniscient, with just the narrator witnessing the event. You could harp on about how that’s lazy, impersonal and distances the reader by not letting them experience the scene through a character, but eh again if film can do it why not books? I just feel instead of just telling people that they shouldn’t do something, explore all sides of it. Tell them the benefits of doing the opposite. You say there are exceptions. What are the exceptions?

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February 26, 2013

Should I use first-person or third-person in my novel?

by Chip MacGregor

Someone asked,  “In your opinion, is it better to see first-person or third-person POV novels for a first-time novelist?”


I’m not one who gets too worked up about first-or-third POV as the “answer” to great fiction. A good novelist can use either one. However, I can tell you from experience that many first-person novels from beginning writers suffer from an overuse of the “I-verb” syndrome. (“I started… I walked… I ate… I moved… I handed… I answered…”) That endless parade of I-verbs creates a really dull novel. First-person fiction can be great, and it’s certainly become much more common in recent years, but in my view it’s harder to master than third person.  


On a related note, someone asked,  “Is it true most publishers don’t want first-person novels?”


No, I don’t think that’s true at all. Again, writing an excellent first-person novel is simply harder to do well, so publishers probably have set the bar a bit higher. But some of the best fiction on the market is done in first person, and publishers still buy first-person novels. (Two favorite authors of mine, Ross Thomas and John D. MacDonald, wrote nearly everything from the first-person point of view.  Bridget Jones Diary  was a wildly successful first-person novel. I could give a bunch of other examples.)

One author sent in this:  “How many POV’s should a new novelist have in women’s contemporary fiction? I’ve heard we should use two for romance and one or two for general fiction. (I’m asking because my work in progress has one main character, but three other storylines that each require chapters from their POV. I’m wondering if that will make my novel harder to sell.)”


Interesting question, since it seems to suggest there are hard and fast rules to be followed in contemporary fiction. While there are certainly rules to follow in genre literature (for example, if you’re writing contemporary romance, you’ve got to have your heroine meet her hero early; if you’re writing a cozy mystery, the crime needs to take place early in the novel; etc.), in general fiction you don’t have all those same strictures. I’ve read contemporary fiction that had several POV’s working. However, let’s get real:  The more POV’s in the novel, the harder it is to make it work.  In my view, it will take an experienced hand to craft a great novel with multiple points of view. Having four POV’s in one novel might be a lot to ask a new novelist to do. So, yeah, in the big picture, that might make your novel harder to sell. That doesn’t mean I think you should give up on the idea (I haven’t seen your work, so I have no idea how well you handle it), it just means you should be aware that you’ve given yourself a tough task.

Another wrote to ask,  “At the beginning of many novels, I see the author often state ‘this is a work of fiction, and any similarities to real events is coincidental.’ Since writers don’t live in a vacuum, and often write about what they know, how important is this disclaimer? If I write about the donut shop in my hometown, am I in danger of being sued?”


You ever watch “Law and Order” on TV? At the beginning of every episode, they offer a warning that the story you’re about to see is a work of fiction, and any similarities to persons or events in the real world is strictly coincidental. The writers are clearly inspired by what they see in the newspaper headlines, but they take some basic plot ideas and weave a completely fictional story around them. If they simply stole someone else’s ideas, they would be violating the individual’s right to privacy, as well as possibly infringing on another’s copyright. Your novel has the same limitations. We’ve all written stories with people or places or events that had some connection to our past, and you’re free to include places and events that are genuine and bring a dose of reality to your book. But if you were to interview your friend, steal her story, and create a novelized account of her life, you would be in violation of the law. You need her expressed permission to tell her personal story. Instead you take that character and you reshape it a bit. You make sure not to slander anyone, or make a real person look bad. You change the details so that nobody could explore your story and know immediately who you were talking about. (I’m not a lawyer, so I’m not giving legal advice here, but I’ve had more than one lawyer explain the argument of reasonability in novels — i.e., If a reasonable person were to read the story, would they know who you were talking about? And would they assume you were trying to assassinate that individual’s character?) I doubt the donut shop is going to sue you, since you’re free to include such details in your novel. But I’d stay away from using the real names of the owners, and having them poison customers with cyanide-laced donuts. I’ve heard that’s the sort of thing donut-shop owners frown upon.

One author noted,  “I just read a nonfiction book that would make a fantastic novel. Must I contact the author to tell him I intend to dramatize the story? Or because it is a national story and a true event, do I not need to contact anyone? Can I simply consider the work reference material?”

You’re on dangerous ground here, so again let me begin by saying I’m not a lawyer, and I’m not giving legal advice. If you need legal help, by all means consult an attorney. I asked a lawyer informally about this question, and he said a writer should be aware of the source of his or her information. If the nonfiction book is basically your complete source for the novel you’re planning, then yes, you are legally obligated to talk with the author about your novel idea. But if this is, as you say, a national story that everyone knows about, you might have several sources that you rely on to create a story. The example he gave me: there have been a couple nonfiction books out on the Bernie Madoff scandal. If you base your novel on one of those books, so that it is the basis of the bulk of your research, then you could be sued for copyright infringement. But there have been thousands of stories written on the Madoff case, and there are hundreds of people who could be interviewed. If you spent time reading those, talked with people involved, and created a fictionalized account of a guy who created a Ponzi scheme and ripped off millions of dollars, you would not be violating that nonfiction author’s rights. Does that make sense?

28 Comments

Wow! Thanks a lot, I am working on my very first work of fiction and was in a huge dilemma if my portrayal is decent enough. This post really helps!

If you want to use a celebrities name or a band name as part of a conversation between two characters (not actually putting them in your novel), where are you in the eyes of the law- is that allowed or can they sue you?

I’m currently writing a novel that has many POVs and a few main characters, I’m also writing it in first person. Having just read some previous questions you answered, I’m starting to doubt my work, I know it won’t be perfect on my first draft, but I have used the word ‘I’ quite a bit. Is it almost pointless continuing with this novel as it would have very low chances of doing well? Also, what would you say are upper limits to how many characters you should introduce and POVs you should write in? Thanks.

One thing I can add here is that it seems to be “common knowledge” amongst editors and agents I’ve met or heard speak: young adult fiction = first person. Of course, it’s not like ALL YA fiction has to be, but…

That’s certainly the trend, Donna Marie.

My response to the person who wants to create a novel from a non-fiction book is an old saying: “To borrow from one source is plagiarism, to borrow from many is research.” Of course, I’m not a lawyer either so don’t come after me if you’re sued!

However, I think suing Dennis is a MUCH better idea than suing me. #sueDennisBrooksToday

Very interesting, Chip. I have one. I’m working on my first novel. It’s a supernatural romance, I would say…and you may have covered this the other day…but how many words should it be and how many words should I set for a daily goal?

A supernatural romance is probably going to run in the 85k to 95k range, Steve. As for a daily writing goal, a lot of part-time writers continue to strive for 1000 salable words per day. You can go up or down from there, but that’s a nice baseline.

It could just be me; but I find that a third person narrative written really badly is—well, bad, but forgiveable if i like the plot or the characters; whereas a first person narrative written badly is completely intolerable. a first person narrative done badly in the present tense? — my least favourite thing of all time. I think this largely has to do with the strength of character voice as April mentions. Because the character is there to guide you and you are not given the omniscient support of an authorial voice, rather the musings of a character you are learning about, it is a bit of a double whammy if the character voice is weak. Not only are you striking out on the character voice front, then, but also on the narrative front as a whole. It’s harder, I feel, for a reader to forgive.

Ha! Well put, Rachel! Thanks very much. I agree with you.

In books for teens, first person is very common, to help the reader feel like he or she IS the main character. I once had an editor ask me to rewrite an entire novel from third to first. That being said, I think almost all of my recent teen novels are in third, to allow me to show more than one POV, and to heighten suspense by cutting back and forth.

i think the strongest argument for first person is if that character has a really strong voice.

Thanks, April. Appreciate your comment. (For those not in the know, April Henry is a bestselling novelist, with much good advice to share.)

The POV comments and responses to fiction built on the real thing are enlightening – and inspiring of creativity. Thank you.

You’re welcome, Cherry.

Some publishers might not care for first-person POV, but I’ll add another success story to your examples. Suzanne Collin wrote The Hunger Games in first-person and present tense, which jarred me in Chapter 1. But she makes it work.

Of course, the cinema version dramatizes the story in third person POV. I don’t think I’m ready to sit through a whole movie where the camera is the protagonist’s eyes and we “hear” her thinking. (Interesting idea, though.)

Thanks, Rick. I’ve had some people write to simply ask if I’d list some good first-person writers. Appreciate your note.

Thanks again, Chip, for your great advice. A thought on POV. My first attempt at novel writing was a MG that had four POVs. I soon learned, thanks to my critique group and info gleaned from SCBWI conferences, that kids like/need a singular POV. Although I started writing in third person, I found first person so much easier for staying in my protagonist’s head. I now write in first person present for my ‘Tween novels and love the immediacy of it. Best advice I can give to novelists who write for kids–join the Society for Chidren’s Book Writers and Illustrators. It’s the best move I ever made as a writer. And join a critique group. The interaction with other writers is as valuable as their feedback.

Great! Thanks, Janet. Appreciate the advice.

One more thought, on the “any similarities to real events is coincidental” or similar disclaimer. I recently saw this on a historical novel that was (partially) based on real historical events. In these cases, the disclaimer needs to be edited to allow for historical fact. On the other hand, the novel in question had a range of factual errors, so maybe the disclaimer was accurate (if unintentionally so).

“That endless parade of I-verbs creates a really dull novel”

Love the phrase! But you’re an agent. You must have read plenty of third-person novels with an endless parade of sentences beginning with ‘he’ or ‘she’. That’s just as bad.

And your comment on the number of POV characters is timely. As a reference, George RR Martin has nine POV characters in the first Game of Thrones book – but it’s almost 1000 pages long, and is the start of a seven-book series. That sheer scale gives him space to create characters that can’t be addressed in the 300 pages of the average novel.

Glad you liked it, Iola. Thanks for commenting.

Good article, Chip. One misconception some writers have is that if they use a real character in a novel, that person can only sue if he or she is portrayed in a negative or defamatory light. Not so. There was a rather famous case a few decades ago where an author met a foreign dignitary at a Washington function and liked his name so much she used it in her novel and in a purely positive light. In fact, he was only in one small paragraph and the persona was completely positive. It was a scene where the protagonist was meeting and greeting dignitaries at a Washington function and that was the extent of the character’s role. He was introduced and moved on and disappeared from the story. The person sued and won–it didn’t matter if he was shown positively or negatively in the law’s eyes. He just plain didn’t want to be in her novel and the court agreed and he won substantial punitive damages. It’s a common misconception that the character be demeaned or portrayed negatively. Not the standard at all.

You’re right, Les. Thanks for this.

Good stuff, Chip!

Appreciate that, Lee.

Thanks for addressing these questions. I’ve experimented with first and third person POV before but never noticed the I-verb issue. Thank you. It’s something I’ll keep my eyes on to avoid.

Yeah, that’s a common problem, especially with newer writers, Jennifer.

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Are Book Reviews Written in First Person?

Writing book reviews is a fun and simple way to practice your writing and get your writing published for people to read and engage with. Despite the simplicity of a book review, it’s only effective if you nail the perspective and tone.

Book reviews are not written in first person. Though some book reviews are written in the first person, this perspective is suited to a more casual and relaxed tone. A professional book review should be written in the third person and voice opinions in a straightforward and well-informed way.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about perspective and tone in book reviews to take you from novice to pro in no time.

Narrative Perspectives Used in Book Reviews

Before a writer types a single word, they’ve already made choices about their text. One of these choices is what narrative perspective they’re going to use. 

There are three main categories of perspective, namely:

• First-person uses the pronouns “I,” “me,” “my,” and “we.” This perspective situates you, the narrator , as the “main character.” The first-person perspective is the most informal and is often used in novels, blog posts, and casual book reviews. 
• The second person uses “you” and “your.” Picture this as the narrator talking to themselves in a mirror or giving instructions to a friend over the phone. This is the least commonly used narrative perspective. 
• The third person uses pronouns like “they,” “them,” “she,” and “his,” as if talking about someone that isn’t included in the conversation. This is the most authoritative perspective. 

When assessing any piece of writing, context and a writer’s choice of narrative perspective is crucial. Every choice a writer makes is made intentionally to communicate something to their audience.

The third person is the ideal perspective to use when you’re writing a review for several reasons. While this isn’t a universal law that every reviewer abides by, it’s a highly prevalent pattern with its purposes. 

For practical examples of the differences between narrative perspectives, read through Grammarly Blog ’s article. 

Why You Should Review Books in the Third Person

Sometimes, reviewers use the first-person perspective in their reviews, but the context is essential. This makes sense if someone is writing a book review for entertainment or just starting out writing casual reviews for their own enjoyment.

When it comes to professional reviews, they’re almost always in the third person, as this creates just enough distance between the writer’s opinion and the facts presented in the book and the review. 

At the end of the day, book reviews are opinion pieces, but how that opinion is presented is just as important as the opinion itself.

People aren’t reading a book to learn whether the reviewer thought the main character wasn’t relatable to them or that they didn’t like how long it was. People read reviews to know whether they should read the book and what to expect.

A book reviewer’s job is to analyze the book’s strengths and weaknesses and judge whether the author achieved what they wanted by writing the book. 

The New York Times has a page dedicated to the latest book reviews from the best reviewers in the game, so you know where to go if you need some inspiration. 

How To Write in the Third Person

There are a few ways to better understand and improve your use of third-person perspectives. The first is knowing that there are three kinds of third-person perspectives:

• Third person limited is not the protagonist’s voice but speaks from their perspective and only sees and knows the things the protagonist does. 
• Third-person omniscient uses information about every character and event at any given time, regardless of whether or not the protagonist is aware of what’s happening. 
• The third-person objective is the perspective you should use in a book review. The writer is outside, looking in and presenting what they see. 

Even if you don’t use the other narrative perspectives for book reviews, it’s essential to know the relationships between them to distinguish which to use in what situations and, more importantly, why certain ones better fit specific conditions. 

Be Consistent With Your Third Person Perspective

Once you’ve landed the correct perspective for your review, you must remember it while writing. It’s easy to get carried away with writing and switch perspectives without even realizing it, and while this can be used to further a story, it doesn’t suit a book review.

Once you begin writing in the third person objective, stick to that throughout the article and only break into another perspective, such as the first person, in a way that makes sense. 

Write Confidently and Let Your Voice Show Through

Finally, writing in the third person comes with a greater sense of authority than the other perspectives, something you need to use to your advantage. Write confidently, and ensure that your unique voice comes through in your review while sticking to the facts. 

Ensure that you use firm and authoritative language throughout your review. 

This is more natural with third-person writing, as first-person reviews can end up with lines like “I think” or “I felt like.”

Third-person writing should avoid doubtful language and use lines like “this author succeeded in” or “the book fails to portray.” Remember, this review could be someone’s first impression of the book, so be unbiased and direct. 

Tips for Writing Book Reviews

Anyone can write a good book review with the right tools . Other than remaining consistent with a third-person perspective, there are several factors to consider while writing your review.

Some essential tools that will help you elevate your review-writing skills are:

• Read book reviews: “Watch and learn” is a valuable moniker for writing book reviews. The more you read , the more you can pick up on patterns and conventions in tone, language use, and format. Reading makes better writing. 
• Follow a format: Stick to a standard book review format, which will help you develop a unique voice and prepare you for the conventions you’ll need to follow when publishing a serious book review. 
• Develop a voice: Despite following a format, you must ensure that your writing isn’t bland. Let your personality and style shine through in everything you write, amateur or professional. 
• Remain firm and objective: The point of a book review is to determine if a book achieved what the author created it to, so that’s what you need to focus on. Discuss what you liked and disliked about it, based on the author’s intentions. 
• Be fair and reasonable: Try to avoid becoming too opinionated, and remain professional and fair when passing judgment on someone’s writing, which will make your reviews more reputable.

While it’s possible to write book reviews in the first person, the third person narrative perspective innately has a more authoritative and professional tone, which is ideally what every reputable book reviewer should embody in their work.

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Three Lives Entwined by Tragedy — and a Love of Literature

In Monica Wood’s rich new novel, “How to Read a Book,” death, prison and poetry become the catalyst for new beginnings.

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By Helen Simonson

Helen Simonson is the author of “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” and “The Summer Before the War.” Her latest novel, “The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club ,” is out now.

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HOW TO READ A BOOK, by Monica Wood

”How to Read a Book” might be the perfect pick to really light a fire under my book club, and yours. It’s a charming, openhearted novel, deceptively easy to read but layered with sharp observations, hard truths and rich ideas.

Set in Portland, Maine, the novel opens in a women’s prison book club full of caustic inmates whose spirited discussions reveal a thick vein of humor and a weary compassion. According to Violet, a young woman with a manslaughter conviction and a gift for wicked turns of phrase, the weekly meetings are the highlight of a prison life so dull that “every day: same, same, same. The boredom feels like lice and you itch all over.” She and her fellow members have insulted every book choice but, she admits, “sometimes a sparkling sentence can really rip you up.”

Violet’s voice is self-aware, with a haunting fragility beneath the tough talk. And just as we fall for her we also meet Frank, a bookstore handyman still stunned by the death of his wife in a drunk-driving accident — caused by Violet. So much for easy! Wadsworth Books, a warm and welcoming independent bookstore full of young people and foster cats, is also the favorite haunt of our third narrative voice: the book club’s leader, Harriet, a widowed English teacher who is struggling to find purpose. “Retired people were often thought to be lonely, but it wasn’t that. It was the feeling of uselessness, of being done with it all,” she reflects. Harriet cultivates her prison book club as if gardening, “exposing the women to the open air of literature, to the sunshine of fresh ideas.” When Violet is released from prison, Harriet bumps into her at the bookstore and must hustle her to safety as Frank suffers a full meltdown.

Even after these three lives are neatly entangled (and recounted in alternating chapters), the heart of the story remains Violet, who stumbles into a job as an assistant at a research lab dedicated to proving that African gray parrots don’t just talk but also think (at last, real talking animals!). As she makes her fresh start, with the help of Harriet and occasional acts of random kindness from strangers, Violet still has to face Frank and the tragedy she caused.

Harriet instructs us that “stories have a ‘meanwhile’ — an important thing that’s happening while the rest of the story moves along,” and so the many layers of “meanwhile” delicately accrue. The novel asks us to stop and consider: Which kinds of people deserve second chances? Are people their worst acts, or a lifetime of better days? Is it possible to stop judging fictional characters (or each other in this divided, angry world) long enough to see that we are all “fellow creatures”? Personally, I want to talk about the parrots whose powers of cognition did nothing to free them from their life sentences.

Another “meanwhile”: The story here also serves as a meditation on the power of books. While Edgar Lee Masters’s 1915 poetry collection “Spoon River Anthology” plays a prominent role, works from J.D. Salinger, F. Scott Fitzgerald and William Butler Yeats to Zadie Smith and Maya Angelou underpin and suffuse every chapter.

“Harriet had always considered Angelou a tad pious,” Wood notes — a pot-calling-kettle moment that made me chortle, as “How to Read a Book” nudges the conscience as much as it pulls at the heartstrings. But it is also generously seasoned with unexpected twists and a wonderful wit. It’s never saccharine. In book clubs and in life, sometimes you just need a break from the sense of gritty hopelessness. This novel is a reminder that goodness, and books, can still win in this world.

HOW TO READ A BOOK | By Monica Wood | Mariner Books | 288 pp. | $28

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