VOICE: INSIDE YOUR MIND

We’re accustomed to the common forms of narrative perspective: first person (I), second person (you) and third person (he/she). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of how the story is presented to the reader. Each is also a compromise to some extent.

For example, first person is great for putting the focus directly on the character who is narrating. We know exactly what they are thinking because they can tell us. The problem is that they can’t know what other characters are thinking or what’s happening in another place at another time. You could, of course, have multiple first-person narrators, but then you have to ensure that each has a very distinct voice to differentiate them.

Another problem with first-person is that the author’s voice occasionally infects the character’s. Thus, the ignorant 19th-century servant girl appears to think or speak like a 21st-century graduate.