Second Person Narration: Strengths and Weaknesses

While many authors are daunted by the first-person perspective, it is generally seen as a viable option. This is not the case with the second-person perspective. Seen as the unwieldy, unruly cousin of the first-person and third-person perspectives, second-person narratives are often treated as inherently lacking or unworthy by the general literary populous. In academic circles, there is even uncertainty as to what is classed as a second-person text.

What is Second-Person Narration?

For writers, however, it is a little more straightforward. Stepping outside of the esoteric leaves us with a simple definition;

"The second-person point of view belongs to the person (or people) being addressed. This is the “you” perspective." -Definition from Grammarly

What this means, really is that the writer is telling the reader a story as if it is happening to them. Rather than saying "I felt afraid" (first-person) or "Sheila felt afraid" (third-person), the author would say "you felt afraid" when writing from a second-person perspective.

Like any style of writing this has strengths and weaknesses and can be done well when you have the skill and experience. However, it is important to note that there is often a certain stigma surrounding second-person writing, and some people are set against stories told in this way. Whether this is fair or not, it is something that any writer considering it should take into account.

Second-Person: Singular and Plural

Just as all stories can be told in the past or present tense (very few, if any, are undertaken in future tense), second-person stories can be undertaken in a singular or plural form. Second-person singular means that the writer is speaking to one singular reader or subject. This is the most common form of second-person narration - a good example of this is the novel Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney.

"A vaguely tribal flavor to this scene- pendulous jewelry, face pain, ceremonial headgear and hair styles. You feel that there is also a certain Latin theme - something more than the piranhas cruising your bloodstream and the fading buzz of marimbas in your brain."

As you can see, this is not an inherently awkward and clunky style. There are authors who excel when narrating from the point of view. In contrast, second-person plural is a little less common and involves the narrator speaking or telling the story to a group of people.

More unusual still is the fusion of first and second-person writing which essentially creates a dialogue between the reader, writer, and the world. One beautiful example of this is All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

"Standing near me are some who whisper about your father's slide into his pit of drink. They whisper you'll do the same, but whisper only. When you approach, they smile and clap your back and say, What a fine farm, Lucas. What a fine wife she'll be, Lucas."

Such specialized writing styles and perspectives, as you can see, are not inherently bad, but are simply best used to create certain effects. By extension, these unusual narrative styles tend to really shine when used to tell intimate stories that suit their unique positioning and point of view.

The Strengths of Second-Person Narration

Second-person writing may be underloved, but it has certain benefits which you should not ignore. The strengths which are most important are:

1. Reader/Story Intimacy

Just as first-person narration brings the reader closer to the action than third-person writing, second-person storytelling gives the reader a more intimate connection to the story. This is because the story is being told as if it is happening to them. This allows the reader to use their own feelings to fuel their enjoyment of the story that they are being made a part of.

2. Conversational Storytelling

There are few writing styles that allow the author and the reader to build an intimate relationship through the story which is being told. The conversational nature of second-person narration may also give readers the feeling that they are involved in telling the story.

3. Makes Morally Grey Protagonists Easier to Empathize With

Allowing empathy between readers and anti-heroes or otherwise morally grey protagonists by putting the reader directly into their shoes. This can be tricky, of course, as some readers may find this disconcerting, but when it is done with skill, it is possible to ensure that the reader feels the characters actions are understandable, if not justified, as a result of the experiences that they share with them.

4. Accessible for New Writers

Like first-person narration, second-person writing is sometimes more accessible for new writers because it allows them to tell the story as if speaking. This is particularly the case for people who have a talent for oral storytelling.

5. Offers a Unique Perspective

The second-person perspective, whether plural or singular, is unique because in many ways it allows the author to also take their place in the story. This can make the narrative feel crowded when done badly, of course, but when executed with skill, second-person writing offers a unique perspective and experience.

The Weaknesses of Second-Person Narration

Aside from the fact that many people are slightly biased against second-person narratives, there are some technical weaknesses and drawbacks you should be aware of when it comes to second-person writing. The most notable are:

1. Limited Narrative Scope

While third-person narrative arguably offers the most 'macro' perspective, second-person writing is arguably the most limited as the reader can only 'see' what the narrator can impart to them. While first-person narration limits the reader to the main characters theoretical scope of vision, second-person storytelling places the narrator between the reader and the world. This can be dangerously obstructive in stories that require an understanding of the wider, fictional world.

2. Subplots and Side Characters Present a Challenge

Because second-person writing sees the narrator talking to the reader and essentially walking them through the story, it can be hard to develop robust side plots and secondary characters.

3. The True Character Can Get Lost

In a second-person narrative, the reader must assume the role of the character. This has benefits, of course, but can be hard because in order to ensure that the reader has the chance to empathize with and take ownership of the character, it is necessary to curb them a little. If this process is taken too far, however, the character can become very bland and toothless and this will prevent the reader from engaging.

4. Inexperienced Writers May Find It Hard to Create Elegant Prose

This is, of course, generally the case - experience and practice are just as important as talent and imagination in writing any story. However, because of the limited nature of second-person narration, a lack of experience and practice can exacerbate the clunkiness and unwieldiness that second-person narration can take on in certain situations.

5. Repetition is Hard to Avoid

Just as first-person writing is all 'me, me, me', second-person narration can quickly become all 'you, you, you'. While third-person offers a plethora of pronouns to use for the main character, more intimate perspectives can limit this. However, this issue can be overcome with careful consideration and experience.

If you're not sure whether second-person narration is the right choice for you, check out this overview of the different perspectives that are most commonly used in fiction.