Do you prefer reading in first or third person?

[PonderingAuthor]

I’m an author with two published novels, about to embark on writing the next one. I lean towards writing in first person, but I’ve spotted occasional comments on here from people who can’t stand first person and will only read if a story is in third person. I’d love to know how common that reaction is before I decide how to write my new book — do you have a preference?

I’ll add that when I read, I often don’t particularly notice, unless I have my writer’s hat on. If it makes a difference, my books are probably best described as domestic psychological suspense, fairly mainstream stuff. My editors don’t have a strong opinion either way.

(I’ve name changed for this.)

Dislike first person and really hate present tense. Would put a book back on the shelf for that reason.

I much prefer third person to the extent that I might decide not to buy a book written in first person.

And as for present tense, no. I don't like it.

Depends on the writer. Please just don't go the present tense/stream of consciousness route, they are truly irritating and often poorly done.

Third person

I prefer first person. That said I’m an absolute sucker for an unreliable narrator so that may be why.

I prefer third person but do read first person books too. I generally dislike present tense writing too but it sometimes works, adding tension.

First person narration is more often done badly, even by established authors - I agree with Palavah . First person narratives should be limited to the perspective of the character narrating. When done well this can be fascinating and really immersive, but when a first person narration starts pontificating or explaining too much about the motivation or behind the scenes actions of another character its jarring and off putting.

First person narration works sometimes when multiple narrators are used to show different perspective on interrelated events. It also works well when the reader is supposed to gradually realise that the narrator is an unreliable witness, but this is hard to do well...

I hate first person, and also present tense! Didn't realise it was so common.

Third person preference

First person preference.

I prefer third person but will happily read first person, except if it's in present tense which is a hard NO.

Yes, I draw the line at the first person and present tense combination. One or the other is ok.

Only 3rd person for me, I enjoy reading and just can’t get into a bookmif it is 1st person

@Smidge001

I hate first person, and also present tense! Didn't realise it was so common.

I completely agree!

I prefer first person. To me it's more engrossing and I like to feel that someone is telling me their story. With third person my mind wanders more, less so if its really well written.

I love found footage or first person films too which are generally disliked but I had no idea first person books were less popular.

I mostly read YA, which is largely first person present tense – I like it when it’s very “voicey”. Third person has to work a lot harder on the voice front, I think.

I don’t particularly notice - but first person jars more when poorly done, especially if the character starts explaining their thoughts. I read a book recently where there were sentences like “Why had xxx visited yyyyy? I had to find out” awful! I think I prefer third person, especially when only written from the protagonist’s point of view (jk Rowling does this v well, we only see inside Harry’s head). I too detest present tense! The book I’m reading at the moment switches between third and first person - it is not working well!

I'd read either but prefer first

Either - I don't think I notice but have just listened to Promise by Damon Galgut - apparently it was in the third person (I'm not usually aware) and it was excellent. Several different main characters but not confusing.

@Shodan

I also prefer third person, but can go with 1st person if it's well handled.

I absolutely cannot stand present-tense writing though.

Yep present tense annoys the heck out of me. Could not work out why I was struggling with (I think) a new Patricia Cornwall book (bones lady) and was due to that style.

I've just thought of my favourite boos and realise what I like is first person, preferably with one main character/not too many points of view. Not too fond of present tense. One thing that bug me in a series is one that starts with character A in first person then continues with character A, B and C in third person (The Rook and Stiletto spring to mind).

I think the is why I like a lot of private investigator crime / urban fantasy.

Books!!!!

I prefer third person. First person worries me. I fear s/he'll become an unreliable narrator!

@Shodan

I also prefer third person, but can go with 1st person if it's well handled.

I absolutely cannot stand present-tense writing though.

Couldn't agree more.

Hilary Mantel just about got away with using the present tense in Wolf Hall but she is an exceptional writer. With every other writer I detest it.

The first person but several narrators thing can work if you know who each narrator is and their voice is truly individual. This nonsense of still trying to work out who the narrator is several pages into each chapter is gimmicky and unbelievably annoying.

It's one of the reasons I like Victorian fiction. Give me a good story well told that starts at the beginning and finishes at the end!

I've always preferred 3rd person. I am the type that would think a book looks like something I would like, yet reject it if it's first person.
However, I am trying to change this as I recently read Behind Closed Doors ; this is first person and one of the best books I've ever read.