There is something bold about a story that starts with “I.” It doesn’t wait for permission. It pulls you in, hands you the narrator’s shoes, and says, “Walk with me.” First-person point of view is one of the most direct, personal ways to tell a story, and when it’s done right, it feels less like reading and more like eavesdropping on someone’s inner world.

In this article, we will explore first-person point of view, how it works, why it’s such a powerful tool in a writer’s kit, and examples that show it in action.

But first things first: let’s define first-person point of view.

First-Person Point of View: Definition

First-person point of view is a narrative perspective where the story is told by a character within the story, using “I” or “we” pronouns. This character is often the protagonist, but not always. Because the narrator is part of the story, readers see events, thoughts, and emotions filtered through that character’s personal experience and perspective.

For example:

“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.” – To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

This viewpoint creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, letting readers get inside the narrator’s head—but it can also be limited, since readers only know what that character knows.

Key Characteristics of First Person Point of View

When you are writing or reading a story from the first-person perspective, you’re stepping into the shoes of the narrator completely. It’s like seeing the world through their eyes. Let’s break down some of the main characteristics that make this point of view unique.

1. Subjective Perspective

In first-person, everything is seen through the narrator’s experience and perspective. Their feelings and biases shape how events are described. For example, if the narrator is upset, they might describe a simple situation as “frustrating” or “hopeless” based on their emotional state.

2. Limited Knowledge

You only know what the narrator knows. If they are unaware of something, so are you. In The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway doesn’t know all the details about Gatsby’s past, so the reader only discovers it as Nick does.

3. Direct Reader Engagement

The narrator speaks directly to the reader, creating closeness. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield’s use of “I” makes you feel like he’s confiding in you, drawing you into his world.

4. Unreliable Narrators (optional)

Sometimes, the narrator isn’t trustworthy. In Gone Girl, Amy Dunne manipulates the truth, forcing readers to question her version of events and keeping them guessing.

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Credit: Universal Pictures

5. Voice and Personality

The narrator’s unique voice shines through, making them memorable. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout’s voice is full of innocence and curiosity, making her perspective compelling.

6. Emotional Intensity

First-person gives a deep look into the narrator’s feelings, making moments feel more intense. In The Fault in Our Stars, Hazel’s deep rumination on her illness makes the emotional moments hit harder.

Types of First-Person Narrators

First-person narration can totally change the way a story feels, simply based on who’s telling it. When we hear “I” or “me” in a book, we’re diving straight into someone’s head—and that can be intimate, funny, confusing, or even a little suspicious.

Let’s explore some of the most common types of first-person narrators and what makes each of them tick.

1. Protagonist Narrator

Here, the main character (the protagonist) tells their own story. We see the world through their eyes, feel what they feel, and hear their inner thoughts. It’s intimate, personal, and sometimes even biased, because we are getting only their side of the story.

Example: In The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Esther Greenwood narrates her descent into depression. It’s raw and honest and often deeply unsettling, but it also makes the story powerful. We are not just reading about her experience. We’re living with her.

Key traits:

Emotionally chargedDeeply personalSubjective perspective (but usually meant to be trustworthy)

2. Secondary Character Narrator

This is when someone close to the protagonist is telling the story instead. They are more of a witness than the main player, but they have a front-row seat to all the drama. This type works well when the protagonist is mysterious, complex, or even unreachable.

Example: In Moby Dick by Herman Melville, Ishmael isn’t really the star of the show—Captain Ahab is. Ishmael’s job is to observe, reflect, and document. And honestly, it makes the obsessive journey even more fascinating because of that distance.

Key traits:

More reflective and observationalCan offer a different (sometimes more grounded) perspective on the protagonistOften brings in a little more world-building or commentary

3. Unreliable Narrator

This one is a wildcard. With this narrator, we’re not always sure if we should trust them. Maybe they’re lying. Maybe they’re delusional. Maybe they’re just leaving things out. Either way, this type keeps readers on their toes and makes for a twisty, layered read.

Example: Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk has one of the most well-known unreliable narrators. He’s not just misleading us—he’s misleading himself. And once you hit that big reveal, everything you have read suddenly takes on a whole new meaning.

Key traits:

Withholds or distorts informationThe narrator can be mentally unstable, manipulative, or just naïveForces the reader to read between the lines

‘Fight Club’ Credit: 20th Century Fox

4. Multiple First-Person Narrators

Instead of one narrator, we get a rotating cast, each giving their own perspective. This style lets us see the same events from totally different angles, which can be super compelling when the plot has tension, misunderstanding, or emotional complexity.

Example: In The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak, several characters take turns narrating in the first person. The novel moves between two timelines: one following Ella, a modern-day woman reading a book, and the other set in the 13th century, focusing on Rumi, Shams of Tabriz, and others in their spiritual circle. Each voice brings its own emotional texture, philosophy, and point of view, creating a rich, almost tapestry-like narrative.

Key traits:

Offers a fuller, more layered view of eventsCan highlight character biases and conflictsDemands more attention from the reader (but is totally worth it)

5. Stream-of-Consciousness Narrator

This narrator doesn’t filter or organize their thoughts—they just pour them out, exactly as they come. Thoughts jump from one idea to another, sometimes mid-sentence. It can feel chaotic or poetic, but it’s incredibly intimate.

Example: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf is one of the most iconic examples. The novel slips in and out of several characters’ minds, but Clarissa Dalloway’s stream of consciousness anchors the book. Her thoughts meander from party planning to existential reflection, sometimes in the same paragraph. It’s dreamy, fragmented, and human.

Key traits:

Inner thoughts presented in real timeNon-linear, often fragmented or disjointedPrioritizes emotion and perception over plotCan blur the line between narration and internal monologueOften lyrical, poetic, or deeply introspective

First-Person Point of View in Films

First-person point of view in films is a bit different from how it works in books. In literature, a character tells the story directly(”I did this,” “I felt that”). Books can tell you exactly what a character is thinking at any moment. They can spend page after page inside someone’s head.

Movies, on the other hand, have to show it. You don’t hear a character’s thoughts unless there is narration. So, directors use visuals or camera tricks to put you in the character’s shoes. Sometimes the camera becomes their eyes. Other times, a voice-over gives you that same inside-the-head feel.

A few solid examples:

1. Hardcore Henry (2015)

This takes the first-person point of view to the extreme. The entire movie is shot like a first-person shooter video game. You never see the main character’s face—you are him. The camera moves as if you are the one running, punching, jumping out of helicopters. It’s intense and super immersive, though not for everyone (motion sickness warning!).

2. Lady in the Lake (1947)

Yep, even back in the ‘40s, filmmakers were experimenting. This noir film was shot almost entirely from the main character’s perspective. You only see what he sees. It was ambitious for its time, but some viewers found it a little awkward—it’s not easy to act when you’re talking to a camera pretending it’s a person.

3. Enter the Void (2009)

This one is wild. It’s part first-person, part out-of-body experience. The story follows a guy in Tokyo who dies early on, and the rest of the film shows his spirit floating around, watching events unfold. The camera floats and glides like a ghost. It’s surreal and kind of hypnotic.

4. Fight Club (1999)

This one is a little different. It isn’t shot from the narrator’s eyes, but it still uses first-person storytelling through voiceover. Edward Norton’s character narrates the movie, guiding us through his chaotic life. We’re inside his head, hearing his thoughts, his confusion, and his breakdown.

Tips for Using First-Person Point of View

1. Develop a strong, distinct voice for the narrator

Writing in the first person can be super engaging, but it works best when the narrator feels like a real person. So, make sure they have a strong, distinct voice. Are they sarcastic? Witty? Blunt? Naïve? The way they think and talk should feel personal and consistent.

2. Avoid excessive introspection that slows pacing

Don’t get too lost in your characters’ heads. A bit of reflection is great, but if your narrator spends paragraphs overthinking every little thing, the story can really drag.

3. Use natural language (people don’t overdescribe themselves)

Write the way people actually talk. Most folks don’t walk around describing the color of their eyes or narrating their every emotion in vivid detail. Keep it natural. Let their personality and actions show who they are.

4. Consider unreliability for added depth

Here is a fun one—try making them a little unreliable. Maybe they leave stuff out, twist facts, or lie to themselves. It adds layers and keeps readers guessing, making a more interesting ride.

5. A tip for filmmakers

To make a compelling first-person film, treat the camera like the character—every movement, angle, and sound should reflect their emotions, intentions, and limitations. Keep the visuals grounded in what the character can realistically see and interact with, and use sound design to amplify their internal experience. This creates immersion and emotional connection without overexplaining.

Conclusion

First-person point of view is much more than just writing “I” a lot. It’s about handing the mic to your character and letting them tell the story their way, with all their quirks, thoughts, and blind spots. That’s what makes it powerful. It pulls readers into the character’s head and heart, giving the whole story this raw, personal vibe that’s hard to fake.

Whether you’re aiming for a deep emotional connection, a unique voice, or a fresh way to explore your world, first person can deliver all that and more—if you let your character own the narrative. So go ahead, let them speak up.