STORYSPACE & PROJECTS: POV And Credibility
An interesting thought this morning brought about by once again working on Paths: Two of the stories are in third person, two are in first (that’s it for now, though I’m considering adding a chorus). The stories may seem to conflict with each other not only in perspective and recall, but in fact based on choice.
So who is the more credible, the third person narrator, or the first person characters as they tell the story themselves? Is there, not a standard, but an edge that one has over the other? Are there stats on readers’ opinion? Is it pov that’s a viable source for belief or the characters as they establish themselves?
On the one hand, we can say that the narrator is relating a story from a neutral stand. But how much have the characters let him in on, how far into their minds have they granted him access? His own take on things may be wrong, having based his narrative on how he’s reading the characters. And, he may lie.
In the first person, again, there is clearly perspective that colors story. That, and a tendency and ability on the speaker’s part to put himself in the best possible light, make himself the worst of the victims, the hardiest of heroes, the most noble of thieves. And, he may lie.
Interesting point to consider when writing in multiple pov, particularly in hypertext.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology