Writing question.

playground · Jan 10, 2012

This might be a weird question, but has anyone ever read a novel where the prologue was written in first person, and then the rest of the novel was written in closed third person?

I was thinking of opening a story in first person of like the main characters best friend and then jumping to the rest of the novel within the MC's head but it would be through closed third person. Is that too weird of a transition? I can't imagine it would be bad and I know there are no "rules" per say to writing, but I'd like to know maybe of some pitfalls to possibly avoid.

I mean I know it all comes down to if it is written well you are fine, but it's still nice to be informed a bit on the subject too.

JoyMC · Jan 10, 2012

I recently read a middle grade novel in which the prologue was from a different perspective than the rest of the novel - can't remember which one, though. Must have been memorable.

I understand what you're saying about being informed, but at this point, I wouldn't worry about it. Just write it! You may find out by the time you're done that it doesn't serve your story well at all. Or, you'll know it does and you'll make it work.

Ferret · Jan 10, 2012

I've read a book like that. It had a prologue and an epilpogue, both in first person. The rest of the novel was in third. I think it worked well, and having the epilogue also in first made it seem balanced.

Smish · Jan 10, 2012

As everyone always says, "Anything can work, if done well." Not particularly helpful, right?

I think it's fine. My only concern would be that it can be misleading. If someone reads your prologue and it's in first-person, it's not unreasonable for them to expect the rest of the book to be in first-person.

But really? The average reader doesn't even notice if a book is in first or third. So, if you feel it's what works for your book, go for it.

Bookmama · Jan 23, 2012

playground_king said:
This might be a weird question, but has anyone ever read a novel where the prologue was written in first person, and then the rest of the novel was written in closed third person?

I was thinking of opening a story in first person of like the main characters best friend and then jumping to the rest of the novel within the MC's head but it would be through closed third person.....

I would think it would work to have a prologue or intro written from one perspective and the rest of the story from another perspective, but what I don't understand is you say "the rest of the novel within the MC's head but it would be through closed third person..."

first, maybe it's the term -- what is 'closed' third person?

secondly, I always find it much more natural if you are inside someone's head to have the story told in the first person. I mean how else can you know what is in someone's head, unless they tell you?

Cathy C · Jan 23, 2012

first, maybe it's the term -- what is 'closed' third person?

I think the OP means "third person close" which is a distance in time when writing narrative. It's sort of the difference between walking a block behind the character and standing close enough to be his shadow.

SnugglyClouds · Jan 30, 2012

Is the protagonist present in the prologue? In my WIP, the prologue is in third person (it starts with the villains) then switches to first person once the protagonist is introduced.

Writing question.

playground

JoyMC

Ferret

Dook!

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

Bookmama

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

SnugglyClouds