Close Third Person: A Writer's Complete Guide

How to Master Close Third Person: A Guide for Writers

Hey guys, if you're into writing and want to level up your storytelling game, you've probably heard about third-person narration. But have you ever delved into the close third person? It's a fantastic narrative perspective that's like having a peek into a character's mind without being totally trapped in their thoughts. Think of it as the Goldilocks of viewpoints – not too distant, not too intimate, but just right. In this guide, we'll dive deep into what close third person is, how it differs from other perspectives, and how you can use it to create some seriously captivating stories. Get ready to learn how to make your characters feel real and your readers hooked!

What Exactly is Close Third Person?

Okay, so let's get down to brass tacks. Close third person is a narrative style where the story is told from the perspective of a character, but the narrator isn't inside their head, like in first person. Instead, the narrator is super close to the character, privy to their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. You'll get to experience the world through the character's eyes, but the narration maintains a sense of distance, offering a balance that makes the story incredibly immersive. It's like having a friend who's always whispering secrets about someone without actually becoming that person. The narrator can share the character's internal monologue, but they also have the freedom to describe the character's actions, appearance, and the world around them in a way that first-person narratives sometimes can't. The key here is a strong sense of identification with the character, allowing readers to experience their emotional journey firsthand. So, how do you actually write this kind of narration? Think of it as a mix-and-match approach. You’ll use the character's vocabulary, their opinions, and their personal quirks. The language mirrors how they think and speak. This can mean using colloquialisms, specific jargon, or even the character's inner voice. The narrator uses the character's thoughts, but can't express them, that's the main difference between the first and third person narratives.

The beauty of close third person is its versatility. It allows for a focused perspective, letting you build a strong connection between the reader and the protagonist. But, it also gives you the room to zoom out and provide context or information that the character might not be fully aware of. This balance is crucial for keeping your readers engaged and maintaining the story's flow. You can use it to create suspense by withholding information from the reader, or to build empathy by showing the character's vulnerabilities. You can also use it to create humor by highlighting the gap between what the character thinks and what the reader knows. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by paying attention to how the character perceives the world, by describing the world through the filter of the character's senses and emotions. The narration should reflect the character's personality, making sure the language and tone match the character's background, education, and attitude. When the character is happy, the world should be bright. When they are sad, the environment should be filled with darkness. The key is to create a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the character, making the story more engaging and relatable. By blending the character's internal thoughts with their external actions and the details of their surroundings, you can create a narrative that's both deeply personal and broadly appealing. It's all about finding that sweet spot where the reader feels like they're walking in the character's shoes without being completely consumed by their perspective.

Close Third Person vs. Third Person Limited: What's the Difference?

Alright, let's clear up some common confusion. Close third person is often lumped together with third-person limited, and for good reason: they're close cousins. Both perspectives tell the story from a character's point of view using “he,” “she,” or “they.” But there are nuances that can make a big difference in your writing. With third-person limited, you're usually locked into the character's perspective. You only know what the character knows, and you experience the world through their senses and understanding. It's all about their thoughts, feelings, and observations, with the narrator keeping a pretty strict distance.

In close third person, the narrator has a bit more flexibility. They can slip into the character's head more intimately, sharing thoughts, feelings, and even internal monologues. The narrator can go into the character's memory, into the past, or offer details and information that the character may not be fully aware of. This allows you to give the reader a more personal experience without completely sacrificing the narrator's ability to provide context. Think of third-person limited as a single spotlight on the character, whereas close third person is a spotlight that can shift, widen, or even zoom out briefly to give a fuller picture. The key distinction is the degree of intimacy. With close third person, you're trying to build a deeper, more emotional connection with the character and the story. While third-person limited can create distance, close third person is all about pulling the reader closer. The narrator can slip more easily between the character's thoughts and external descriptions, which lets you create richer characters and make your scenes more dynamic. The goal here is to build a strong sense of empathy and connection, making your readers invest more in the character's journey. Think of it like this: third-person limited is like watching a movie from a single character's point of view, and close third person is like watching the movie, and getting secret details about the character.

Consider this: In third-person limited, you might write, "Sarah felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach." In close third person, you might write, "The knot in Sarah's stomach tightened. Not again. Why did this always happen before a big presentation?" The latter is more intimate because it shows the character's emotional reaction and thought process. Remember, both are solid narrative choices, and the best one for you depends on your story's needs and the effect you're trying to achieve. Experiment with both, and you'll start to feel the difference in tone and impact.

Techniques to Nail Close Third Person

Okay, now that you've got the basics down, let's talk about the how. How do you actually write in close third person and make it shine? Here are some techniques to help you master this narrative style:

• Show, don't just tell: This is writing 101, but it's extra important in close third person. Instead of saying "John was angry," show him clenching his fists, his jaw tight, his eyes narrowed. Use vivid descriptions to make the reader feel the character's emotions. Make use of the character's voice. To do this, pay close attention to how the character talks, thinks, and feels. Use the character's vocabulary, mannerisms, and unique quirks to shape their internal and external dialogues.
• Use Internal Monologue Wisely: Internal monologue is your secret weapon. It lets you dive into the character's thoughts. Use this to show their fears, desires, and inner conflicts. Think of it like a secret conversation with the reader. Avoid info-dumping. The character's thoughts should flow naturally and reflect their personality. Balance this with external descriptions. The character's thoughts should always be related to what's happening in the scene. This helps to keep the reader engaged and immersed in the story.
• Embrace the Character's Voice: Make sure the language reflects the character's personality. Is your character a sarcastic teenager? Use sarcasm. A wise old sage? Use formal language and wisdom. This adds depth and authenticity to your writing. You can also use sensory details. Describe the world through the character's senses. What do they see, hear, smell, taste, and touch? This helps the reader experience the world as the character does. Does the character hate coffee? You may write: The bitter aroma of coffee filled the room, making the character cringe. Sensory details give more context to the setting and highlight the character's emotions.
• Mix External and Internal: Alternate between what the character sees, does, and says, and what they think and feel. This will make your narrative dynamic and keep readers engaged. Focus on the present, but also let the character's thoughts drift to the past, to memories, or to future possibilities. This gives you a chance to provide context and character development. By seamlessly blending the character's internal and external worlds, you create a rich and immersive experience. Use the character's personal history to shape their present actions and emotions.
• Control the Distance: In close third person, you have more control over your distance from the character than in other perspectives. You can vary the level of intimacy depending on the scene or the effect you want to create. You can use close-ups, like zooming in on the character's face when they're feeling intense emotions, or pull back to offer a wider view of the situation. This flexibility is one of the major strengths of close third person. You should also get feedback and revise your work. Ask friends or writing groups to read your work and provide feedback. Then revise your writing based on the feedback. Experimenting with different techniques will help you find the right approach for your story.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Like any writing style, close third person has its challenges. Avoiding these mistakes will improve your writing:

• Head-Hopping: This is when you jump between characters' perspectives in the same scene. It can confuse readers. Instead, stick with one character's perspective per scene, or at least per paragraph, unless the switch serves a clear purpose. Make sure the transitions between characters are clear and natural, signaling to the reader when the perspective changes.
• Telling Instead of Showing: Relying too much on exposition or summaries can remove the reader from the character's experience. Use descriptive language to bring the character's thoughts and feelings to life. By focusing on showing, you can create a more immersive experience. The story comes alive when it is depicted using action.
• Losing the Voice: Your character's voice should be unique and consistent. If the language feels generic, the reader will lose interest. Make sure the character's background, personality, and experiences all inform their voice. The character's thoughts and perceptions should feel authentic to their personality.
• Ignoring the World: While the character is central, the world around them still matters. Make sure to include sensory details, descriptions of the environment, and details that can enrich the experience and shape the story. If you do not offer context to the character's environment, readers will not engage.

Practice Makes Perfect: Tips for Polishing Your Skills

So, you want to get better at close third person? Here’s some advice:

• Read Widely: Read books written in close third person. Pay attention to how the authors use the techniques we've discussed, such as internal monologue, sensory details, and character voice. Note how the authors handle transitions between thoughts and actions. Analyze how they create intimacy and emotional connection. Studying other writers can help you develop your own style and build a strong understanding of the narrative perspective. Note how their narratives have a strong sense of the character's inner world.
• Write Regularly: Practice writing scenes in close third person. Experiment with different characters, settings, and tones. Try writing short stories or excerpts to develop your skills. Practice is one of the best ways to hone your writing skills. The more you write, the more comfortable you'll become with this narrative perspective. Experiment with different techniques to find out what works best.
• Get Feedback: Share your work with beta readers or writing groups. Ask for feedback on your use of close third person. Are the character's thoughts and feelings clear? Does the voice sound authentic? Make sure your beta readers are familiar with the perspective, and they will give useful insights. Use feedback to identify areas where you can improve. Don’t be afraid to revise your work based on this feedback.
• Revise and Refine: Once you've gotten feedback, revise your work. Focus on improving areas where you've struggled, and experiment with different approaches. Pay attention to details, like the character's emotions and actions. Ensure the character's inner thoughts align with the outer descriptions. Fine-tune your work to improve its effectiveness. Polish your writing, ensuring every sentence serves a purpose.

Final Thoughts

Alright, folks, you're now armed with the tools and knowledge to conquer close third person! This narrative perspective offers writers a unique way to build compelling characters and create engaging stories. Whether you're writing a novel, short story, or any other piece of fiction, mastering this technique will take your writing to the next level. So, go forth, experiment, and have fun. Happy writing, and keep those stories flowing!