First 3 chapters each a different MC POV

Michael Dracon · Apr 6, 2007

I'm thinking of introducing each of my 3 MCs seperately, each with their own chapter amongst the first 3 chapters.

At the end of chapter 1 MC2 is mentioned by name only. Near the end of chapter 2 MC1 and MC2 will meet. MC3 will meet the other two at the end of chapter 3.

My question is the following: I've read several novels where a similar introduction style is used. But personally I find it a bit hard to get into a novel that basically starts up 3 times from a different point of view before the actual connection is made between the 3 situations. How do you feel about this way of introducing your MCs?

James D. Macdonald · Apr 6, 2007

Try it. If it doesn't work, introduce 'em differently in the second draft.

No one but you sees the early drafts.

maestrowork · Apr 6, 2007

I'd like to pledge to novelists to keep writing and stop worrying about the should I, could I, would I before you even start writing. Ask questions after you're done, then you can fix anything in your second draft if they don't work.

giftedrhonda · Apr 6, 2007

I agree with both of them--give it a whirl!!

ccarver30 · Apr 6, 2007

I think the biggest to ask is- What happens after those 3 chapters? Who is telling the story after that??

herdon · Apr 6, 2007

maestrowork said:
I'd like to pledge to novelists to keep writing and stop worrying about the should I, could I, would I before you even start writing. Ask questions after you're done, then you can fix anything in your second draft if they don't work.

I don't think I could agree more with this statement. I could try to agree more, but it would be tough.

I think many writers try to be too logical with every decision when they should just follow their gut instinct. I was just reading on the Doris Egan PoV blog entry posted by HConn and in the comments you can read several writers asking for logical reasons on when to use third person and when to use first person. Now, I tried to give a logical reason, but I had to add that, personally, it is something that just comes to me when I visualize the story: I go with my gut instinct.

Maryn · Apr 6, 2007

I think whether this will work depends on two factors: Whether something interesting is happening, maybe even the same something seen through the three viewpoints, and on how well you execute it.

The first aspect is a must before you begin writing, but don't worry about the second yet. Get down a draft, then determine what works and what doesn't. That's why there's rewrites.

Maryn, rewriter

Namatu · Apr 6, 2007

There's nothing wrong with trying. If you decide it doesn't work, you know. And you've likely learned a lot from the process of trying. I rewrite scenes from different POVs all the time to see if it works better. Sometimes it's perfect, other times it's no better. If you're thinking about it, try it. Regardless of whether you end up keeping it, you've exercised your writing muscles.

PeeDee · Apr 6, 2007

I've seen it done just fine. Just make sure they don't repeat themselves in plot or tone (they shouldn't each read like "Chapter One, redux") and you won't lose your readers.

And Ray's right. We've talked about this before. Just go for it. See what happens. The time to worry about the "Shoulda woulda coulda" is a little while after you finished the first draft.

Dave.C.Robinson · Apr 6, 2007

I did just that in the first draft of a novel, introduced three MCs in three successive chapters. It didn't really work for me so I moved my chapters around a bit until the plot threads came together, cut out most of the 3rd character's chapters and made a stronger novel.

But I couldn't have done that if I hadn't written the novel first, then seen where the strengths and weaknesses were and addressed fixing them.

First 3 chapters each a different MC POV

Michael Dracon

Urban Fantasy Geek

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

giftedrhonda

Gifted Goofball

ccarver30

Nicole Castro

herdon

What's up?

Maryn

I Tried

Namatu

Lost in mental space.

PeeDee

Where's my tea, please...?

Dave.C.Robinson

... with the High Command