A Tough Choice for Point of View

Ava Jarvis · Sep 20, 2007

Or maybe not.

They say you can fix anything in rewrites, but entirely swapping point of view seems like it would be very hard, especially when you have two main characters who like to hide things from each other. Is it hard?

Thing is, it drives me nuts, to have to write two point of views who like to do that. Extremely so. They are both neurotic personalities. It's driving me mad. Is this a good thing? Does this happen to you? Does it result in a strong tale or does it just drive you nuts?

My character is schizophrenic. Actually, it's a little more complicated than that, but it causes the concept of brilliant person and sidekick to get very, very weird. Writing in dual first person---is that a good idea or a very bad idea?

Writing is hard. I like it.

:Headbang:

Stew21 · Sep 20, 2007

You asked a couple different questions, I answered them below.
I hope it's helpful.

Ava Jarvis said:
Or maybe not.

They say you can fix anything in rewrites, but entirely swapping point of view seems like it would be very hard, especially when you have two main characters who like to hide things from each other. Is it hard?
I'm in second draft and changing POV from third to first. I thought it would be a difficult task, but isn't as bad as I'd thought (I assume because it should have always been in first person). I think it depends on the story, but in my experience, it is daunting from a distance, and not nearly as bad when you actually do it.

Thing is, it drives me nuts, to have to write two point of views who like to do that. Extremely so. They are both neurotic personalities. It's driving me mad. Is this a good thing? Does this happen to you? Does it result in a strong tale or does it just drive you nuts?
As for having two different POV's, for each scene just choose the angle that best tells the story. In instances that you aren't sure which is best, (I'm sorry to say it) I'd write both and pick one later. The stronger tale will come about when the right character is telling the story in a given scene. Be sure to consider that motive, characterization and conflict can all be explored in POV, and they are drivers for the story as well as the story arc you take. Choose the POV that brings those things to the surface the best.

My character is schizophrenic. Actually, it's a little more complicated than that, but it causes the concept of brilliant person and sidekick to get very, very weird. Writing in dual first person---is that a good idea or a very bad idea?
Having two first person accounts is not a new thing, and definitely can be done, and done well. In your case, the character needs to have very distinct differences in his multiple personalities in order for it to read as two different people. I also think that first person (on both personalities) is the only way to tell such a story well. It may be hard, but if done well, will be worth it.

Writing is hard. I like it.

Leigh Walker · Sep 20, 2007

I know this wasnt your question but, Schizophrenia is not the same thing as multiple personality. If you want a character that has two or more distinct personalities, you are talking about multiple personality, which is actually called dissociative identity disorder. If you want you story to be accurate, you should match the right symptoms with the right disorder.

ChaosTitan · Sep 20, 2007

Have you read Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk?

*sort of spoilers*

It has a similar idea of split personalities, but the story is told (I believe) in a single, first person POV.

Stew21 · Sep 20, 2007

ChaosTitan said:
Have you read Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk?

*sort of spoilers*

It has a similar idea of split personalities, but the story is told (I believe) in a single, first person POV.

I forgot about that!

Yes, read it, if you haven't. Great alternative for you in POV/story execution.

Ava Jarvis · Sep 20, 2007

Leigh Walker said:
I know this wasnt your question but, Schizophrenia is not the same thing as multiple personality. If you want a character that has two or more distinct personalities, you are talking about multiple personality, which is actually called dissociative identity disorder. If you want you story to be accurate, you should match the right symptoms with the right disorder.

I'm very aware of that difference, and was using the term with the wrong meaning that people are familiar with.

Ava Jarvis · Sep 20, 2007

Stew21 said:
You asked a couple different questions, I answered them below.
I hope it's helpful.

Thanks, this was very helpful.

I think I'll bite it and write some of the scenes (chapters really, although it's fuzzy sometimes which scenes belong with which chapter, between chapters) twice.

Their voices and personalities are both very different, apart from both being headstrong.

Ava Jarvis · Sep 20, 2007

ChaosTitan said:
Have you read Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk?

*sort of spoilers*

It has a similar idea of split personalities, but the story is told (I believe) in a single, first person POV.

Stew21 said:
I forgot about that!

Yes, read it, if you haven't. Great alternative for you in POV/story execution.

Oh! Cool, I'll pick that up!

And yes, when I do write the blurb, I'll use "split personality" rather than "schizophrenic".

Leigh Walker · Sep 20, 2007

Ava Jarvis,
sorry if I sounded snippy. there are just so many books and movies out there that use the diagnosis schizophrenia inappropriately. kind of pet peeve of mine. that being said, I like the idea of writing it from two point of views, one from each of the personalities. i would be interested in knowing more about your story.

Good luck!

Leigh,

Ava Jarvis · Sep 20, 2007

Leigh Walker said:
Ava Jarvis,
sorry if I sounded snippy. there are just so many books and movies out there that use the diagnosis schizophrenia inappropriately. kind of pet peeve of mine.

No worries, I entirely understand. I was on that path myself, then I decided to stop worrying and love the bomb, so to speak. If it helps, the main characters never, ever say "we/I are/am schizophrenic". They simply consider themselves two people.

that being said, I like the idea of writing it from two point of views, one from each of the personalities. i would be interested in knowing more about your story.

Buy my book when it comes out.

Good luck!

Thanks!

Karen Junker · Sep 20, 2007

For a masterful treatment of a character with dissociative disorder, read Set This House in Order, by Matt Ruff. He's a Seattle author who is getting a large following and critical acclaim!

A Tough Choice for Point of View

Ava Jarvis

Too stupid to know fear

Stew21

Leigh Walker

Where are we going?

ChaosTitan

Around

Stew21

Ava Jarvis

Too stupid to know fear

Ava Jarvis

Too stupid to know fear

Ava Jarvis

Too stupid to know fear

Leigh Walker

Where are we going?

Ava Jarvis

Too stupid to know fear

Karen Junker

Live a little. Write a lot.