First Person vs. Third Person — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
First Person uses pronouns like "I" or "we" to provide a subjective viewpoint, focusing on the speaker's experiences. Third Person uses pronouns like "he," "she," or "it" to offer a more detached, objective viewpoint.
Difference Between First Person and Third Person
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In First Person narration, the story is told from the perspective of the narrator, using pronouns such as "I" or "we." This style allows for a more intimate, personal view of events. Third Person narration, on the other hand, employs pronouns like "he," "she," or "they," offering a viewpoint separate from the characters involved.
First Person is often used in autobiographies, personal essays, and some genres of fiction to deeply immerse the reader into the author's own experiences. Third Person is generally employed in academic writing, reporting, and in storytelling where an overarching viewpoint is needed.
When using First Person, the speaker's emotions, thoughts, and biases are foregrounded, giving the reader insight into the speaker's personal world. In contrast, Third Person provides a more detached and objective perspective, which can be limited or omniscient depending on the author's choice.
First Person is frequently used to make a text feel subjective and emotionally resonant. This can be both an asset and a limitation, depending on the intent of the writing. Third Person offers the ability to present multiple viewpoints, making it a common choice for complex storytelling or impartial reporting.
Comparison Chart
Pronouns Used
"I," "we," "my," "our"
"he," "she," "it," "they"
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Perspective
Subjective
Objective
Emotional Insight
High
Varies
Common Uses
Autobiographies, personal essays
Academic papers, news reports
Flexibility in Viewpoints
Limited
Multiple
Compare with Definitions
First Person
Subjective Viewpoint
In First Person, the narrator is part of the story.
Third Person
Objective Viewpoint
In Third Person, the narrator is not part of the story.
First Person
Limited Perspective
First Person is confined to the narrator's experience.
Third Person
Narrative Style
Third Person is a storytelling method that can offer a wide lens.
First Person
Narrative Style
First Person is a storytelling technique focused on subjective experience.
Third Person
Impartial Presentation
Third Person is often used for unbiased reporting.
First Person
Personal Connection
First Person aims to create an emotional bond with the reader.
Third Person
Emotional Detachment
Third Person can offer an emotionally neutral perspective.
First Person
Emotional Insight
First Person often delves into the narrator's feelings.
Third Person
Multiple Perspectives
Third Person can shift between different characters.
First Person
The grammatical category of forms that designate one, such as a speaker or writer, referring to oneself. Examples of forms in the first person include English pronouns such as I and we and Spanish verb forms such as hablo “I speak.”
Third Person
The grammatical category of forms that designate a person or thing other than the speaker or the one spoken to. Examples of forms in the third person include English pronouns such as she and they and verb forms such as Spanish hablan “they speak.”
First Person
A discourse or literary style in which the narrator recounts personal experiences or impressions using such forms
A novel written in the first person.
Third Person
A discourse or literary style in which the narrator recounts personal experiences or impressions using such forms
An essay written in the third person.
First Person
A perspective in a video or computer game that shows only what a character would see.
Third Person
A perspective in a video or computer game in which the screen depicts a point of view other than that of the player's avatar.
First Person
Visual presentation through the protagonist or principal character's own eyes.
Common Curiosities
When is First Person commonly used?
In autobiographies, diaries, and personal accounts.
What is Third Person?
Third Person is a point of view where the narrator is detached from the story.
When is Third Person commonly used?
In academic writing, news reporting, and most fiction.
Can First Person be objective?
It's generally subjective, but efforts can be made for impartiality.
Is First Person limited to one perspective?
Generally, yes, unless creatively altered.
What is First Person?
First Person is a point of view where the narrator is part of the story.
What pronouns does First Person use?
Primarily "I" and "we."
What pronouns does Third Person use?
Primarily "he," "she," "it," and "they."
Can Third Person offer multiple perspectives?
Yes, it allows for shifting viewpoints.
Is First Person emotionally resonant?
Often, yes, due to its personal nature.
Can I mix First Person and Third Person in a story?
It's unconventional but possible if done skillfully.
Can Third Person be subjective?
It's generally objective, but limited third person can offer internal thoughts.
Is First Person reliable?
It can be unreliable due to personal bias.
Is Third Person emotionally detached?
It can be, but limited third person can offer emotional insight.
Is Third Person reliable?
It is often more reliable due to its objective stance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
