What are the differences between 1st, 2nd and 3rd person point of view?

The differences between first, second, and third person points of view in writing are significant and impact the narrative style, reader engagement, and the type of story being told.

First Person Point of View

• Narrator: The narrator is a character within the story, typically the protagonist or a key character.
• Pronouns: Uses "I," "me," "my," "we," "us," etc.452
• Perspective: The story is told from the narrator's personal experience and thoughts, creating a close, intimate relationship between the reader and the narrator.
• Character Development: Allows for deep insight into the narrator's thoughts, feelings, and motivations, making the character more relatable and complex25.
• Tone: Often less formal and more personal compared to third person1.

Second Person Point of View

• Narrator: The narrator addresses the reader directly, making the reader the main character of the story.
• Pronouns: Uses "you" and "yours"14.
• Perspective: This point of view is less common in fiction but often used in instructional or interactive writing, such as how-to guides or choose-your-own-adventure stories.
• Engagement: Directly involves the reader in the story, creating an interactive experience14.

Third Person Point of View

• Narrator: The narrator is outside the story, observing the characters and events.
• Pronouns: Uses "he," "she," "it," "they," "him," "her," etc.14.
• Perspective: Can be either limited or omniscient.
  • Third Person Limited: The narrator follows the thoughts and feelings of a single character, similar to first person but with a more external perspective14.
  • Third Person Omniscient: The narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, providing a broader view of the story14.
• Tone: Can be more formal and objective compared to first person, but can also be highly subjective depending on the narrator's perspective1.
• Usage: Common in fiction, biographies, and academic writing due to its versatility and ability to provide a comprehensive view of the story14.

Each point of view offers unique advantages and can be chosen based on the type of story, the desired level of reader engagement, and the author's narrative goals.