1. Teladan

    Teladan Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2017
    Messages:
    815
    Likes Received:
    508

    Scene Breaks in First Person?

    Discussion in 'General Writing' started by Teladan, May 16, 2021.

    I don't know why I'm even writing this thread, i.e. why I need to ask. It should be straightforward. My latest short story is told in the first person from a narrator detailing past events, but I don't know if the breaks I've included are even appropriate. I don't think I've utilised them before in a first person story, so that's why I'm having to ask. I've included breaks for sections where a lot of time has passed, but it doesn't feel right. I'm only really aware of scene breaks in third person narratives. It's a basic writing concept, but somehow it feels wrong to use them in my story as, well, shouldn't it all be one unbroken narrative structure? The context is such that the narrator has written these events down on paper, but it still feels off.
     
  2. NigeTheHat

    NigeTheHat Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2008
    Messages:
    1,594
    Likes Received:
    1,776
    Location:
    London
    You're fine. You'd be fine even if it was standard first-person, but if you've got the framing device of them actually being written down (like a diary, or something?) then you're even more fine. Why would your guy write down a load of unimportant stuff that happened in the middle of 2 important events?
     
  3. Teladan

    Teladan Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2017
    Messages:
    815
    Likes Received:
    508
    Thanks. I mean, it does sound like it should work, but I don't know. I guess I've always just associated scene breaks with third person for some reason. The account is written down, but it's not in epistolary format--no dates or headings. I suppose the reason I've asked because of that. Still, I suppose it works.
     
  4. retardis

    retardis Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2021
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    TARDIS
    Currently Reading::
    Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph
    I think it depends on the tense you are using. For example, if your verbs are in present tense and you're using 1st person POV, then scene breaks could sound unnatural at times, but honestly reading your post made me imagine scene breaks, and for some reason, imagining them in 3rd person POV actually seemed a bit more unnatural. (Assuming that you are using past tense.) I mean, it is easier for a person who is experiencing the story to skip things since they have experienced it, and mo matter what they actually tell in the story, there's still a continuous sequence of events in their head. Unlike a narrator. But again, depends on the narration style too. Maybe I am overthinking this.
    Could you post some examples?
     
  5. Teladan

    Teladan Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2017
    Messages:
    815
    Likes Received:
    508
    Sorry for the slow reply. Not fishing for critiques, I promise, but it's easier if I just direct you here: https://www.writingforums.org/threads/the-twofold-jar.169862

    I'm almost convinced my breaks are fine but still doubting myself.

    Thanks.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice