third person essay examples

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How to Write in Third Person

Last Updated: September 3, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alicia Cook . Alicia Cook is a Professional Writer based in Newark, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience, Alicia specializes in poetry and uses her platform to advocate for families affected by addiction and to fight for breaking the stigma against addiction and mental illness. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Georgian Court University and an MBA from Saint Peter’s University. Alicia is a bestselling poet with Andrews McMeel Publishing and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Post, CNN, USA Today, the HuffPost, the LA Times, American Songwriter Magazine, and Bustle. She was named by Teen Vogue as one of the 10 social media poets to know and her poetry mixtape, “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,167,803 times.

Writing in third person can be a simple task, with a little practice. For academic purposes, third person writing means that the writer must avoid using subjective pronouns like “I” or “you.” For creative writing purposes, there are differences between third person omniscient, limited, objective, and episodically limited points of view. Choose which one fits your writing project.

Writing Third Person Point of View

The third-person point of view discusses the person or people being talked about in academic or creative writing. In this perspective, you’d shift focus from subject to subject. Use pronouns like he/him, she/her, they/them, or it/itself.

Writing in Third Person Academically

• Third person helps the writing stay focused on facts and evidence instead of personal opinion.

• Third person pronouns include: he, she, it; his, her, its; him, her, it; himself, herself, itself; they; them; their; themselves.
• Names of other people are also considered appropriate for third person use.
• Example: “ Smith believes differently. According to his research, earlier claims on the subject are incorrect.”

• First person pronouns include: I, me, my, mine, myself, we, us, our, ours, ourselves. [2] X Research source
• The problem with first person is that, academically speaking, it sounds too personalized and too subjective. In other words, it may be difficult to convince the reader that the views and ideas being expressed are unbiased and untainted by personal feelings. Many times, when using first person in academic writing, people use phrases like "I think," "I believe," or "in my opinion."
• Incorrect example: “Even though Smith thinks this way, I think his argument is incorrect.”
• Correct example: “Even though Smith thinks this way, others in the field disagree.”

• Second person pronouns include: you, your, yours, yourself. [3] X Research source
• One main problem with second person is that it can sound accusatory. It runs to risk of placing too much responsibility on the shoulders of the reader specifically and presently reading the work.
• Incorrect example: “If you still disagree nowadays, then you must be ignorant of the facts.”
• Correct example: “Someone who still disagrees nowadays must be ignorant of the facts.”

• Indefinite third person nouns common to academic writing include: the writer, the reader, individuals, students, a student, an instructor, people, a person, a woman, a man, a child, researchers, scientists, writers, experts.
• Example: “In spite of the challenges involved, researchers still persist in their claims.”
• Indefinite third person pronouns include: one, anyone, everyone, someone, no one, another, any, each, either, everybody, neither, nobody, other, anybody, somebody, everything, someone.
• Incorrect example: "You might be tempted to agree without all the facts."
• Correct example: “ One might be tempted to agree without all the facts.”
• This is usually done in an attempt to avoid the gender-specific “he” and “she” pronouns. The mistake here would be to use the “they” pronoun with singular conjugation. [4] X Research source
• Incorrect example: “The witness wanted to offer anonymous testimony. They was afraid of getting hurt if their name was spread.”
• Correct example: “The witness wanted to offer anonymous testimony. They were afraid of getting hurt if their name was spread.”

Writing in Third Person Omniscient

• For instance, a story may include four major characters: William, Bob, Erika, and Samantha. At various points throughout the story, the thoughts and actions of each character should be portrayed. These thoughts can occur within the same chapter or block of narration.
• Writers of omniscient narratives should be conscious of “head-hopping” — that is, shifting character perspectives within a scene. While this does not technically break the rules of Third Person Omniscience, it is widely considered a hallmark of narrative laziness.

• In a sense, the writer of a third person omniscient story is somewhat like the “god” of that story. The writer can observe the external actions of any character at any time, but unlike a limited human observer, the writer can also peek into the inner workings of that character at will, as well.
• Know when to hold back. Even though a writer can reveal any information they choose to reveal, it may be more beneficial to reveal some things gradually. For instance, if one character is supposed to have a mysterious aura, it would be wise to limit access to that character's inner feelings for a while before revealing his or her true motives.

• Do not use first person and second person points of view in the narrative or descriptive portions of the text.
• Correct example: Bob said to Erika, “I think this is creepy. What do you think?”
• Incorrect example: I thought this was creepy, and Bob and Erika thought so, too. What do you think?

Writing in Third Person Limited

• The thoughts and feelings of other characters remain an unknown for the writer throughout the duration of the text. There should be no switching back and forth between characters for this specific type of narrative viewpoint.
• Unlike first person, where the narrator and protagonist are the same, third person limited puts a critical sliver of distance between protagonist and narrator. The writer has the choice to describe one main character’s nasty habit — something they wouldn’t readily reveal if the narration were left entirely to them.

• In other words, do not use first person pronouns like “I,” “me,” “my,” “we,” or “our” outside of dialog. The main character's thoughts and feelings are transparent to the writer, but that character should not double as a narrator.
• Correct example: “Tiffany felt awful after the argument with her boyfriend.”
• Correct example: “Tiffany thought, “I feel awful after that argument with my boyfriend.”
• Incorrect example: “I felt awful after the argument with my boyfriend.”

• Note that the writer can offer insight or guesses regarding the thoughts of other characters, but those guesses must be presented through the perspective of the main character.
• Correct example: “Tiffany felt awful, but judging by the expression on Carl's face, she imagined that he felt just as bad if not worse.”
• Incorrect example: “Tiffany felt awful. What she didn't know was that Carl felt even worse.”

• Correct example: “Tiffany watched from the window as Carl walked up to her house and rang the doorbell.”
• Incorrect example: “As soon as Tiffany left the room, Carl let out a sigh of relief.”

Writing in Episodically Limited Third Person

• Limit the amount of pov characters you include. You don't want to have too many characters that confuse your reader or serve no purpose. Each pov character should have a specific purpose for having a unique point of view. Ask yourself what each pov character contributes to the story.
• For instance, in a romance story following two main characters, Kevin and Felicia, the writer may opt to explain the inner workings of both characters at different moments in the story.
• One character may receive more attention than any other, but all main characters being followed should receive attention at some point in the story.

• Multiple perspectives should not appear within the same narrative space. When one character's perspective ends, another character's can begin. The two perspectives should not be intermixed within the same space.
• Incorrect example: “Kevin felt completely enamored of Felicia from the moment he met her. Felicia, on the other hand, had difficulty trusting Kevin.”

• In a novel-length work, a good time to switch perspective is at the start of a new chapter or at a chapter break.
• The writer should also identify the character whose perspective is being followed at the start of the section, preferably in the first sentence. Otherwise, the reader may waste too much energy guessing.
• Correct example: “Felicia hated to admit it, but the roses Kevin left on her doorstep were a pleasant surprise.”
• Incorrect example: “The roses left on the doorstep seemed like a nice touch.”

• For instance, if Kevin had a talk with Felicia's best friend about Felicia's feelings for him, Felicia herself would have no way of knowing what was said unless she witnessed the conversation or heard about it from either Kevin or her friend.

Writing in Third Person Objective

• There does not need to be a single main character to focus on. The writer can switch between characters, following different characters throughout the course of the narrative, as often as needed.
• Stay away from first person terms like “I” and second person terms like “you” in the narrative, though. Only use first and second person within dialog.

• Imagine that you are an invisible bystander observing the actions and dialog of the characters in your story. You are not omniscient, so you do not have access to any character's inner thoughts and feelings. You only have access to each character's actions.
• Correct example: “After class, Graham hurriedly left the room and rushed back to his dorm room.”
• Incorrect example: “After class, Graham raced from the room and rushed back to his dorm room. The lecture had made him so angry that he felt as though he might snap at the next person he met.”

• Correct example: “When no one else was watching her, Isabelle began to cry.”
• Incorrect example: “Isabelle was too prideful to cry in front of other people, but she felt completely broken-hearted and began crying once she was alone.”

• Let the reader draw his or her own conclusions. Present the actions of the character without analyzing them or explaining how those actions should be viewed.
• Correct example: “Yolanda looked over her shoulder three times before sitting down.”
• Incorrect example: “It might seem like a strange action, but Yolanda looked over her shoulder three times before sitting down. This compulsive habit is an indication of her paranoid state of mind.”

Examples of Third Person POV

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• ↑ https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/point-of-view-in-academic-writing.aspx
• ↑ http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/third_person.htm
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/use-the-singular-they/
• ↑ Alicia Cook. Professional Writer. Expert Interview. 11 December 2020.
• ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/point-of-view-first-second-third-person-difference
• ↑ https://ojs.library.dal.ca/YAHS/article/viewFile/7236/6278

About This Article

To write in third person, refer to people or characters by name or use third person pronouns like he, she, it; his, her, its; him, her, it; himself, herself, itself; they; them; their; and themselves. Avoid first and second person pronouns completely. For academic writing, focus on a general viewpoint rather than a specific person's to keep things in third person. In other types of writing, you can write in third person by shifting your focus from character to character or by focusing on a single character. To learn more from our Literary Studies Ph.D., like the differences between third person omniscient and third person limited writing, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing in Third Person – Examples

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

The third-person narrative is often employed in narrative writing because it zooms in and out of character perspectives to describe actions, feelings, emotions, and thoughts. If you’re unsure how to use the 3rd person perspective in writing, here are some tips and examples.

What is Third Person Narrative?

The third person is one of three perspectives employed in speaking and writing. It’s used to describe the point of view of a third party and uses a variety of pronouns derived from he, her, and it. Books written in third person are often more popular, as well, for their ease of reading.

I often write in first-person narrative, but when I’m writing a complex story from the point of view of multiple characters, I use third person to make things more rounded and streamlined for the reader.

Using Third Person

Third person is a perspective used based on whoever the story or writing in question is about. The subject pronoun is outside of the narrator themself. Third-person texts do not include the perspective of the narrator/writer, nor does it address the reader directly. It also uses certain personal pronouns and possessive pronouns.

Example of a third person sentence:

Jeremy knew it was destined to be. He placed the dog in the backseat of his car and drove away. All he wanted at that time was to ensure the animal got the loving home he deserved.

Third Person Possessive Adjectives in Third Person

So, instead of using me, mine, ours, etc., you would use hers, his, theirs when writing in third person.

Does “You” Belong in 3rd Person Writing?

Third-person writing requires using third-person pronouns, including he, she, it, him, her, them, themselves, himself, herself, or a name. Using “you” means you’re switching to the second person.

How to Introduce Yourself in the Third Person

People typically use the first-person point of view when talking about themselves and their experiences. It would be odd to talk about oneself in the third person all the time, but you might use it occasionally for the sake of humorous effect or attract the attention of another person.

The third person introduces a third party to the person you’re speaking with. If you are a narrator, it’s best to introduce yourself in the first person and start narrating the events in the third person.

How to Start a Story in Third Person

In a story, narrators use the third person if they are not part of the story themselves. Third-person narratives show us a person’s actions, feelings, and thoughts.

Example of how to write in third person:

Nadia dreamt about being a gymnast her entire life. Ever since she can remember, she’s worked hard, sacrificed a lot, and hoped someone would notice all her efforts. She was never the smartest kid in school, but she believed in herself enough to never give up on that spot on the podium.

What Are the 3 Types of 3rd Person?

In writing, there are three ways to approach third-person writing.

Third-Person Omniscient

The story’s narrator is all-knowing and can see into the past, present, and future. This narrator can assume other people’s perspectives, jumping around in time and providing the reader with their thoughts and observations.

Third-Person Limited Omniscient

In this point of view, the author focuses on one persona and never switches to another. In a novel, the narrator may use this technique throughout the work or employ it in alternating chapters or sections.

The author can regulate the reader’s knowledge and experience by writing from a limited point of view. Used effectively, it can create a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement.

Third-Person Objective

The narrator of a story told from the third-person objective perspective is unbiased and does not share the viewpoint of the character’s emotional reactions. The story is told in an objective, third-person style.

How to Write In Third Person About Yourself

The easiest way to approach this problem is to create a character. You can also use your actual name to write from the third-person perspective.

Why Write in Third-Person?

Fiction writing uses third-person POV quite often. Here are some advantages of employing it as part of your narrative style.

Strong Character Growth Is Emphasized

More characters can be highlighted in a story told from the third-person perspective than in the first- or second-person. These varying perspectives give the reader a complete understanding of the story since they shed light on the plot in ways the other characters cannot.

It Employs Flexible Narrative Possibilities

The advantages of writing in the third person include greater freedom to move around, giving the reader a comprehensive view, and shifting perspectives among multiple characters. You can switch between being completely all-knowing and having only partial or first-person knowledge.

This latter technique allows the reader to experience the world through the eyes of a character, allowing for a more profound understanding of that person and their surroundings.

Makes the Author More Reliable

Third-person narration places the reader in a vantage point far above the action. With the author/narrator not part of the story, they can rise above it, having nothing to lose or gain from certain narrative developments. This makes the story more reliable and lends the story more authority and credibility.

First, Second, and Third Person Pronouns

If you’re confused about the types of pronouns used in each of the three main perspectives, here is a comprehensive list:

• First person pronouns: I, me, mine, myself, we, us, ourselves, ours.
• Second person pronouns: you, your, yours.
• Third person singular pronouns: he, him, his, she, her, it,
• Third person plural pronouns: its, itself, they, them, their, theirs, themselves.

Bottom Line on Third Person

Writing in 3rd person grants the author more credibility and offers a more objective perspective of the characters in the text. Often employed in fictional and academic writing, the third-person point of view makes the text seem more authentic and factually correct.

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Third person

Ai generator.

In third-person narrative text , the story is narrated using pronouns like “he,” “she,” or “they.” This perspective provides a more detached viewpoint, allowing the author to describe events and characters’ thoughts without direct involvement in the action.

What is Third person?

In third-person narration, there are various levels of knowledge and intimacy that the narrator can have with the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings. For instance, Third-Person Effect Theory in Mass Communication stays closely aligned with one character’s perspective, revealing their thoughts and emotions directly to the reader, often as if hearing their internal speech . Verb forms contrast, third-person omniscient narration provides a god-like insight into all characters and events, allowing the narrator to offer commentary and insight that goes beyond any single character’s perspective.

30 Third person Examples with Answers

• “She went to the store.”: “What did she buy?”
• “He enjoys playing basketball.”: “How often does he practice?”
• “They live in a small town.”: “What do they like about living there?”
• “The cat chased the mouse.”: “Did the mouse escape?”
• “The students completed their homework.”: “Was the assignment difficult?”
• “Sarah and John went for a walk.”: “Where did they walk to?”
• “The dog barked at the mailman.”: “Was the mailman scared?”
• “He always takes the bus to work.”: “Is the bus usually crowded?”
• “The flowers bloomed in the spring.”: “Did they smell nice?”
• “They danced all night at the party.”: “Were they tired the next day?”
• “The sun set behind the mountains.”: “Did it look beautiful?”
• “The book fell off the shelf.”: “Was it damaged?”
• “She sang her favorite song.”: “Did anyone join her?”
• “He cooked dinner for his family.”: “What did he make?”
• “The baby slept soundly through the night.”: “Did the parents sleep well too?”
• “They visited the museum on Saturday.”: “Which exhibit did they like the most?”
• “The rain stopped just in time for the picnic.”: “Did they have a good time?”
• “He studied for his exam all week.”: “Did he pass?”
• “The birds chirped happily in the trees.”: “Did they fly away?”
• “She won first place in the race.”: “Was she surprised?”
• “They watched a movie together.”: “What genre was the movie?”
• “The train arrived at the station on time.”: “Did they catch it?”
• “He always tells the truth.”: “Is he trustworthy?”
• “She laughed at his joke.”: “Was it funny?”
• “They bought a new car last month.”: “What color is it?”
• “The wind blew the leaves off the trees.”: “Did it make a mess?”
• “He greeted his neighbors with a smile.”: “Were they friendly?”
• “She wrote a letter to her friend.”: “Did she receive a reply?”
• “They hiked to the top of the mountain.”: “Was the view worth it?”
• “The cat curled up by the fireplace.”: “Was it warm?”

Third person Sentence Example

• “He carefully examined the ancient artifact, marveling at its intricate design.”
• “She glanced nervously at her watch, realizing she was running late for the meeting.”
• “They gathered around the campfire, exchanging stories under the starry sky.”
• “The cat lazily stretched out in the sunshine, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon.”
• “The old oak tree stood tall and proud in the center of the meadow, its branches swaying gently in the breeze.”

Third person Words Examples

• He : “He went to the store to buy groceries.”
• She : “She loves to read books in her spare time.”
• They : “They are planning a trip to Europe next summer.”
• It: “The cat chased the mouse, but it escaped through a small hole.”
• His : “John forgot to bring his umbrella, so he got soaked in the rain.”

Third person essay Examples

• “In modern society, individuals are often faced with the challenge of balancing work and personal life.”
• “One of the key factors contributing to climate change is the excessive emission of greenhouse gases.”
• “Research has shown that regular exercise is associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases.”
• “It is widely acknowledged that education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of society by empowering individuals and fostering economic growth.”
• “The novel explores themes of identity and belonging through the journey of its protagonist as she navigates the complexities of adolescence.”

Third person writing Examples

• “Sarah walked down the street, lost in thought as she pondered her next move.”
• “James gazed out the window, watching the raindrops patter against the glass.”
• “The students eagerly listened as the teacher explained the principles of mathematics.”
• “The politician delivered a passionate speech, rallying support from the crowd gathered in the town square.”
• “The scientist conducted experiments in the lab, carefully recording each observation in her notebook.”

Synonym for Third person

Third person grammar.

“Third person” in grammar refers to a perspective where the speaker or writer refers to someone or something other than themselves (the first person) or the person(s) being addressed (the second person). In third person, pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they” are commonly used to refer to people or things. This perspective provides a more objective view compared to first or second person.

Third person writing

Third person writing refers to a narrative style where the narrator or author uses pronouns like “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they” to refer to characters or entities in the story. This perspective offers a more detached and objective viewpoint compared to first person (“I,” “we”) or second person (“you”) writing. It is commonly used in fiction, academic writing, and formal essays to maintain a sense of neutrality and professionalism.

Third Person Pronouns

Third person point of view.

Introduction : Begin by introducing the speaker in the third person, using their name or title. For example: “John Smith is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the industry.”

Background Information : Provide some background information about the speaker or the topic of the speech, still maintaining the third person perspective. For instance: “Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a passion for innovation and leadership.”

Statement of Purpose : Clearly state the purpose or main objective of the speech from the third person perspective. For example: “Today, John will share his insights on effective leadership strategies in a rapidly evolving business landscape.”

Engaging Hook : Use a compelling hook to capture the audience’s attention and draw them into the speech. This could be a question, anecdote, statistic, or quote. For instance: “Imagine a world where every leader empowers their team to achieve greatness. This is the vision that John will explore today.”

Transition to First Person : After the initial introduction and hook, transition into the first person point of view if the speech calls for it. This is where the speaker directly addresses the audience and begins to deliver the main content of the speech.

Types of Third person

Third Person Limited : The narrative is told from the perspective of a single character. The reader sees events through this character’s eyes and only knows their thoughts and feelings. Pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they” are used. Example: “She walked through the forest, feeling a sense of unease.”

Third Person Omniscient : The narrator knows and can reveal the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all characters in the story. Pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they” are still used, but the narrator can provide insight into multiple characters. Example: “He glanced nervously at her, unaware of the surprise she had planned for him.”

Third Person Objective : The narrative is told from an outside perspective, where the narrator does not reveal any character’s thoughts or feelings. Instead, the narrator only describes what can be observed externally. Pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they” are used, but there is no insight into the characters’ internal states. Example: “She ran down the street, her hair flying in the wind.”

The Difference between Third person and Second person

Tips for writing in the third person.

• Maintain Consistency
• Establish Clear Perspective
• Develop Characters
• Create Distance
• Show, Don’t Tell
• Use Descriptive Language
• Avoid Omniscience

What is third person perspective in writing?

Third person perspective is a narrative mode where the story is told by an external narrator who refers to characters using pronouns like “he,” “she,” or “they,” rather than “I” (first person) or “you” (second person).

How do I avoid head-hopping in third person perspective?

Stick to one character’s perspective per scene or chapter to avoid confusing your readers. Transition between characters’ viewpoints using clear scene breaks or chapter divisions.

Can I use first person pronouns in third person perspective?

No, third person perspective uses pronouns like “he,” “she,” “they,” or character names to refer to characters. Avoid using “I” or “you” in third person narration.

How do I maintain consistency in third person perspective?

Use consistent pronouns or character names throughout your narrative. Ensure that your descriptions, dialogue, and character actions remain consistent with the chosen perspective.

Can I write dialogue in third person perspective?

Yes, dialogue can be written in third person perspective. Use quotation marks to indicate spoken words, and attribute dialogue to specific characters using dialogue tags.

Use consistent pronouns or character names and ensure descriptions, dialogue, and actions align with the chosen perspective.

What are the advantages of third person perspective?

Offers flexibility, broader storytelling scope, and maintains objectivity.

Stick to one character per scene or chapter, transitioning with clear breaks.

Are there specific genres suited to third person perspective?

Commonly used in fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance, but adaptable to most genres.

How do I provide insight into characters’ thoughts and emotions?

Show indirectly through actions, dialogue, and body language, avoiding direct statements in limited third person.

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3Rd Person Essay Example. Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson

Writing a third-person essay about oneself is challenging as it requires maintaining objectivity while narrating personal experiences. It is difficult to avoid slipping into first-person perspective and remain detached. Describing one's own achievements and challenges without sounding boastful or self-pitying requires striking the right tone. Effectively transforming oneself into a character in one's own narrative demands a deep understanding of storytelling techniques. Crafting such an essay is a nuanced exercise that navigates personal narrative without succumbing to egocentrism or detachment. Professional writing support and examples can help individuals aiming to compose compelling third-person essays about themselves. Read less

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• 1. 3Rd Person Essay Example Crafting a third-person essay example about oneself can be a challenging endeavor, as it requires the delicate balance of maintaining objectivity while narrating personal experiences. The struggle lies in presenting a coherent and engaging narrative without succumbing to the pitfalls of self- centeredness or excessive self-praise. One of the primary difficulties is avoiding the temptation to delve into first-person perspectives, which can inadvertently slip into the writing, veering away from the intended third-person voice. The constant need for self-reflection and introspection poses a cognitive challenge, as it demands an acute awareness of personal biases and a conscious effort to mitigate them. Moreover, achieving a smooth and natural flow in the narrative becomes a hurdle, as the writer grapples with the intricacies of describing personal achievements or challenges without sounding boastful or self-pitying. Striking the right tone is crucial to maintain credibility and engage the reader, but this balance is often elusive when writing about oneself in the third person. The process also demands a deep understanding of narrative structure, character development, and storytelling techniques, as the essay essentially transforms the writer into a character within their own story. This meta-cognitive task requires a heightened level of self-awareness and the ability to objectively assess one's own life events. In essence, crafting a third-person essay about oneself is a nuanced exercise that calls for a delicate interplay between self-expression and objectivity. The writer must navigate the intricate terrain of personal narrative without succumbing to the challenges of egocentrism or detachment. For those seeking assistance in overcoming these hurdles, similar essays and a plethora of writing support can be found on platforms like HelpWriting.net. Professional guidance and diverse examples are invaluable resources for individuals aiming to master the art of composing compelling third-person essays on themselves.

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Examples of Writing in Third Person

Writing in third person is writing from the third-person point of view, or outsider looking in, and uses pronouns like he, she, it, or they. It differs from the first person , which uses pronouns such as I and me, and from the second person , which uses pronouns such as you and yours.

Writing in the third-person provides flexibility and objectivity. In fiction writing , it enables the narrator to be all-knowing. The personal pronouns used in third-person writing are he, she, it, they, him, her, them, his, her, hers, its, their, and theirs.

Third Person Writing in Literature

• "He is just what a young man ought to be," said she, "sensible, good humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners!-so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!" - Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
• "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." - George Orwell, 1984
• "Their commander was a middle-aged corporal-red-eyed, scrawny, tough as dried beef, sick of war. He had been wounded four times-and patched up, and sent back to war." - Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five
• "It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets." - Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, Paul Clifford
• "He drank an Anis at the bar and looked at the people. They were all waiting reasonably for the train. He went out through the bead curtain. She was sitting at the table and smiled at him." - Ernest Hemingway, "Hills Like White Elephants"
• "She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes" - Lord Byron, "She Walks in Beauty"

Third Person Writing in Advertising

• Plop Plop Fizz Fizz. Oh, what a relief it is - Alka-Seltzer
• The King of Beers - Budweiser
• It's the real thing - Coca-Cola
• A diamond is forever - De Beers
• The happiest place on earth - Disneyland
• It keeps going and going and going - Energizer
• When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight - FedEx
• The Possibilities are Infinite - Fujitsu
• The best a man can get - Gillette
• It wouldn't be home without Hellmann's - Hellman's
• It's finger lickin' good - KFC
• Nobody can do it like McDonald's can - McDonald's
• Good to the last drop - Maxwell House
• Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's Maybelline - Maybelline
• The greatest tragedy is indifference - Red Cross
• Takes a licking and keeps on ticking - Timex

Third Person Writing in Famous Quotes

• "A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world." - Oscar Wilde
• "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
• "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
• "Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." - Helen Keller
• "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo
• "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." - Henry Ford
• "Family is not an important thing. It's everything." - Michael J. Fox
• "It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages." - Friedrich Nietzsche
• "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." - Lou Holtz

An Objective Point of View

These examples illustrate the different ways to write in the third person and which pronouns to use. The first person point of view might read "I never make mistakes so I never learn." The second person would read "You never make mistakes so you never learn." See how this differs from the third person, which would read "He never makes mistakes so he never learns" and is much more objective.

Third Person Essay Examples

Have no time? Stuck with ideas? We have collected a lot of interesting and useful Third person essay topics for you in one place to help you quickly and accurately complete your college assignment! Check out our essay examples on Third person and you will surely find something to your liking!

The short story, Miss Brill by Katherine Mansfield is written in third person. The story is being narrated in a manner of speaking. The reader is able to get an unbiased understanding of the main character. The point of view of the story can change the way a reader understands it. Had the story been […]

These two poems have a lot of similarities and differences between them. “Charge of the Light Brigade” is a pro war poem and shows admiration for the young men, it is a third person narrative based on the Crimean war from 1854-1856. “Dulce et Decorum est” shows concern for the men that are risking their […]

Partnership liability tort can take place when a partner or all partners acting on partnership business causes injury to a third person. Cause of this tort could be a negligent act, a breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty, defamation, fraud, or another intentional tort (Cheeseman, 2010, p. 538). Under the Uniform Partnership Act, partners […]

Analytical Paragraph Using third person, present tense, one sentence Marilyn please help thanks. 1. Write the topic sentence. Be sure it clearly expresses an arguable point of view. It must also mention the author and title of the work. Dream, Anger and Justification. A raisin in the sun 2. Write a detail or summary of […]

From what perspective is the story told? (1 mark) This story is told in limited omniscient third person perspective. This is because the narrating voice enters the minds of most characters, excluding the radio telephone scenes. You can only hear Lieutenant Commander Ram’s voice, not the character on the other end of the radio. 2. […]

The third-person effect, also called third-person perception (Conners, 2005; Jensen & Collins, 2008; Hayee & Kamal, 2014), is something many people probably don’t think about unless you’re in communication, advertising, or even a psychology class. The third-person effect was first described by W. Phillips Davison in 1983 by defining it as how an individual tends […]

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Home » English » Third Person

Third Person

θɜːd ˈpɜːsn

Pronunciation:

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Beyond 'Me' and 'You': The Third Person Odyssey

Comprehensive Definition, Description, Examples & Rules 

Among the three ‘persons’ used in English grammar to refer to nouns, pronouns and verbs in a sentence, the ‘third person’ is used to talk about someone or something that is not a part of the conversation and is being discussed by keeping it outside the conversation. When you want to tell someone about something that happened to you or about someone that did something to you, you use third-person pronouns.

What is the third person?

Third person pronoun, or simply the third person is a set of pronouns used for entities apart from the sender and the receiver of any conversation. The third-person pronoun can be most appropriately defined as something or someone that is being talked about. Some common third-person pronouns are he, she, it, they, and them. While the first person is used by the speaker f the conversation (i, we, us) and the second person is used for the receiver of the conversation (you), the third person is used for the topic of the conversation. 

Significance of the third person in communication and writing: 

• The third person can be useful in formal and academic writing as it provides a sense of impartiality to the tone of the conversation by making the subject the centre of focus and not the speaker or the listener. 
• Third person pronoun can come in handy when writing fiction as it allows the writer to write from an outsider’s point of view, lending a broader perspective to events, characters and settings. 
• The third person can lend clarity to a text, especially when multiple entities are involved by dismissing confusion about who or what is being talked about in a conversation. 

Understanding Third person pronouns

Third-person pronouns are used to refer to entities outside of a conversation. They provide spontaneity and smoothness to a conversation by allowing people n the conversation to refer to people, places, animals or things without having to explicitly use their names repeatedly. Here are some examples of how you can use third-person pronouns in sentences:

• I met Rita yesterday. She looked a bit pale. 
• Kenny invited me to his house party but I told him I couldn’t attend.
• Have you seen my purse? I think I kept it over here.  
• I think they are going to stay the night. 
• Didn’t you tell them that the party is over?

Exploring Third person language

The third person pronoun is specifically used for referring to people outside the scope of a conversation and differs from the first and second person in unique ways. For example: 

• First Person: Using first-person pronouns, the speaker refers to themselves or the group they belong to. The first-person perspective puts the limelight on the speaker of the conversation and their experiences and attitudes. Common first-person pronouns: I, we, us. 
• Second Person: Using second-person pronouns, the speaker refers to the person or group they’re talking to. It addresses the reader or the listener directly and can be used in giving instructions, advice and suggestions. Common second person pronoun: you. 
• Third person: Using third-person pronouns, the speaker refers to things and entities that are not a part of the conversation. Third-person pronouns provide an objective view of looking at things and are commonly found in academic and formal writings and fictional stories. Common third-person pronouns: He, she, it, they, them. 

Advantages and purposes of using the third person in various contexts: 

The third person can provide many advantages to your writing. For example:

• The third person allows the writer to keep an objective and impartial tone in academic and official writings. 
• The third-person pronoun helps avoid confusion and provides clarity when there is more than one entity present outside the conversation. 
• A third-person pronoun is used in storytelling to enable readers to view characters from an outsider’s point of view. 

Some other purposes of third-person pronouns besides referring to people outside the conversation include:

• In certain official contexts, the third person is also used to extend respect and formality to higher authorities. 
• The third person can be used to hide the identity of entities where confidentiality is needed. 

Writing in the third person: Style and Perspective

Writing in the third person requires you to remember certain guidelines to use the third person correctly and efficiently. Such guidelines are explained below:

How to write in the third person perspective:

• Decide on a narrative mood and choose whether you want to write in the third person omniscient (which knows and sees everything happening in a story and knows about the inner thoughts of all the characters) or third person limited (which knows the in-depth thoughts of only one character in the story and tells the story from his point of view). 
• Use third-person pronouns consistently throughout your piece of writing to provide an outsider’s perspective. 
• Maintain an impartial and objective tone and avoid including personal opinions and perspectives.
• Use vivid language and descriptive imagery to show what’s happening in the story rather than just plainly stating it.

Techniques for maintaining consistency and clarity in third-person writing:

• If you choose to write in the third person limited, stick to that particular character’s point of view and avoid jumping or ‘head-hopping’ to other characters’ minds to avoid confusion. 
• Avoid certain shifts in tone and voice and maintain a particular narrative voice throughout the text. 
• Introduce character names early on in the text and use them consistently throughout the text to make sure that the third-person pronouns have clear antecedents they’re referring to. 

How to write in the third person: Tips and Guidelines

Writing in the third person can be a useful tool in storytelling as well as formal writing. Here’s how to use them effectively:

Step-by-step guide on writing effectively in the third person:

• Choose the type of third-person narrator (omniscient or limited) and stick to it throughout the text. 
• Be objective and impartial. 
• Substitute first and second-person pronouns with third-person pronouns.
• Use descriptive language and dialogues creatively. 
•  Maintain consistent tense throughout the text. 

Common challenges and how to overcome them:

Here is a list of common mistakes that you should avoid while writing in third person pronouns and tips on avoiding them:

• Provide clarity about what nouns the third-person pronouns are referring to.  Use character names to avoid confusion. 
• Writing in the third person can sometimes create emotional distances between the characters and readers. Overcome this by showing characters’ emotions through actions, dialogues, expressions, etc. 
• To avoid confusion and ambiguity, give each character a distinctive voice and pattern of behaviour. 

Crafting a third-person narrative

The third-person narrative is a writing technique where the story is told from a character’s point of view or an all-knowing point of view of an invisible narrator. Understanding the third-person narrative is crucial to effective storytelling.  

Understanding third person narrative and its role in storytelling:

• The third-person narrative provides an objective and impartial viewpoint. 
• The third-person narrative allows multiple perspectives into the story. 
• The third-person narrative allows the author to move between characters and scenes smoothly. 

Examples of well-known literary works that use the third-person narrative:

• ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee: This classic American novel is a story seen through the third person limited point of view of Scout Finch. 
• ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen: The novel is told from the third person omniscient point of view about the Bennet sister. 

‘Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling uses a third-person limited point of view, focussing on Harry.

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Key Takeaways

• Third-person pronouns such as ‘he’, ‘she’, ‘it’, ‘they’, and ‘them’ refer to people outside the scope of the conversation. 
• The third-person narrative provides impartiality to the text. 
• A third-person perspective is used to tell a story from one character’s point of view or an all-knowing point of view.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Some examples of sentences in the third person are: He kicked the ball; She ate her food; They will be coming early; It is kept on the table. 

To write in the third person perspective, choose a type of third-person narrator and then stick to it throughout and avoid confusion by introducing the names of the characters beforehand and consistently throughout the text.

To write a third-person narrative, remain consistent with your chosen point of view, use creative dialogues and vivid action to describe the characters’ emotions.

Yes, the third person is used in academic writing to sound objective and impartial and focus on the subject of the text.

Third-person pronouns add a touch of impartiality to the text end also extend a sense of respect and reverence.

Some common mistakes to avoid while writing in the third person are pronoun confusion, inconsistent point of view and lack of character depth.

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