Using mixed first/limited third POVs

lfraser · Sep 17, 2007

After much humming and hawing I've decided that my main character really should be in first person -- since that's the way I keep hearing her -- and the other two mains, who are more peripheral to the story, should be in limited third.

All well and good, except for one snag. There is no way that I can put my main character into the first chapter. The action in that chapter happens to one of the other characters. It drives what the MC does all the way through the story, but it does not and can not happen to her.

I've heard that if you're using one first person POV, that character must be in the first chapter. Opinions? Advice?

Edit Sorry -- of course I meant if you're using one first person POV and limited third for the other characters, the first-person character must be in the first chapter.

At least I think that's what I meant...

Sage · Sep 17, 2007

I would think it would be wise. But I don't know if it's a rule.

I've only read one or two novels that had POV in this way. I'm writing one now, though, & started in first.

maestrowork · Sep 17, 2007

I never heard that the first chapter must be in first person.

Do what works. As long as your POVs are clear.

lfraser · Sep 17, 2007

Thanks, Maestro. I'll give it a shot and see how it comes out.

I'm pretty good at maintaining POV. It's the one thing I never get wrong.

Raphee · Sep 25, 2007

I am also doing a mix of first and third. The difference is that my main character is in 3rd limited but I am zooming in and out. Not actually approaching omni but close to it. I dont know what you call this; but I am trying to remain true to POV. No random head hopping.

I have no idea how it'll turn out though.

My first chapter is in First though. I think its better that way.

Dave.C.Robinson · Sep 25, 2007

The only thing I'd really worry about when mixing first and third like that is to make sure that you stick to one POV per character. IE: if character A starts in first person, make all their scenes first person. Don't have the same character be both first and third in different scenes.

Using mixed first/limited third POVs

lfraser

Bored and Frantic

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

lfraser

Bored and Frantic

Raphee

In debt to AW

Dave.C.Robinson

... with the High Command