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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.” quote by Ottessa Moshfegh
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“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.”

Ottessa Moshfegh

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.

Key Takeaway

Explore character voice regardless of POV.

Themes

writing voice narrative perspective

Mood

introspective creative

Type

instructional inspirational

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • workshop feedback
  • creative exercises

Key Concepts

character development literary technique identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does POV affect reader connection?
  • Can voice be consistent across perspectives?
A Different Perspective

Some readers may find third‑person less intimate.

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