First person Quote by Ottessa Moshfegh
“The way that I see third person is it's actually first person. Writing for me is all voice work. Third person narrative is just as character-driven as first person narrative for me in terms of a voice. I don't write very much in third person.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “On Narrative Voice,” Literary Journal, 2021
She sees third‑person narration as a form of first‑person voice work, focusing on character voice.
In simple terms: Third‑person can be as personal as first‑person.
Explore character voice regardless of POV.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- workshop feedback
- creative exercises
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does POV affect reader connection?
- Can voice be consistent across perspectives?
Some readers may find third‑person less intimate.