As fantasy writers, we’re often caught in the eternal debate: should we write in first person or third person point of view? While craft books offer general guidance, I’ve found that fantasy as a genre presents unique challenges and opportunities for both POV choices. Today, I want to share some deeper insights about how these perspectives work in practice, especially for those of us crafting magical worlds.
The Language Barrier
One of the most crucial differences between first and third person lies in the language you can use. In first person, you’re essentially wearing linguistic handcuffs – every description, every observation must come through your character’s voice and vocabulary. This can be particularly challenging in fantasy, where we often need to describe magical systems, otherworldly creatures, or complex political structures.
Think about it: how would a street urchin describe a complex magical ritual versus how a court mage would? In first person, you’re bound by their knowledge and way of speaking. Third person, however, gives you the freedom to step back and describe these elements in your own voice, potentially offering deeper insights or more precise terminology than your character might know.
Character Voice in First Person
If you’re going to write in first person, especially with multiple POV characters, distinctiveness becomes paramount. Each narrator needs to feel like a completely different person speaking to the reader. Katherine Addison’s “Melusine” masterfully demonstrates this – you could open to any page and immediately know which character is narrating, not just from what they observe, but from how they think and express themselves.
This distinctiveness goes beyond mere vocabulary or education level. It’s about:
- How they process emotions
- What details they notice first
- Their typical metaphors and comparisons
- Their rhythm of thought
- Their biases and blind spots
The Time-Telling Paradox: Past vs Present Tense
Here’s where things get really interesting, especially in fantasy. First person past tense creates an implicit frame story – someone is telling this tale. While you don’t need to explicitly explain the circumstances, they should feel plausible within your world-building.
This led me to an intriguing realization: contrary to what you might think, you absolutely can write a first-person past-tense story where the narrator dies at the end. Imagine a character reflecting on their life in their final moments, or perhaps their story being magically preserved through some fantasy-world mechanism. The key is making the frame feel natural within your world’s rules.
First person present tense, on the other hand, offers immediate immersion. It’s particularly powerful for:
- High-stakes action sequences
- Discovery scenes where the character and reader learn something simultaneously
- Stories involving prophecies or time manipulation
- Tales where the character’s immediate reactions drive the plot
The “In Times Like These” series uses this effectively, making time travel feel immediate and visceral rather than remembered or reported.
Choosing What Works for Your Story
Rather than declaring one POV superior, consider what your story needs:
- Are you building a complex world that requires occasional “camera pull-back” moments? Third person might serve you better.
- Is your protagonist’s unique perspective on magic or society crucial to the story’s impact? First person could be your answer.
- Do you need to switch between multiple characters? Consider whether you can make their voices distinct enough for first person.
- Is immediate tension more important than reflective depth? First person present might be your best tool.
Remember, these aren’t just technical choices – they’re storytelling tools that shape how readers experience your fantasy world. Choose the one that best serves your story’s magic.
What’s your experience with POV choices in fantasy? Have you found certain perspectives work better for different types of magic systems or world-building? Share your thoughts in the comments below!