Why is it important to write in third person?

Many people believe that writing in third person is more professional. However, there are several benefits to writing in first person that can make your writing

Why is it important to write in third person?

The main advantage of writing fiction in the third person (using the pronouns he, she, they, etc.) Information can be given to the reader about each character and situation, regardless of whether the individual characters know anything about it or not. This allows the writer to explore different characters and infer multiple perspectives, although it doesn't have to mean that's the case. This allows for a strong sense of scale in the story, but it also gives the writer the luxury of telling scenes from multiple perspectives and, therefore, offering different stories. This means that your reader is even more detached than you as a writer, and this can prevent some readers from developing empathy with your characters.

Sometimes, writers may choose to include elements of the first-person point of view by mentioning the characters' thoughts and feelings without using “he thought” or “she felt” in the text.

Joseph Robbins
Joseph Robbins

Joe Robbins is a seasoned educational consultant and the Head of Consultancy at The Profs, a multi-award-winning education company based in the UK. With a Master’s degree in Security, Leadership, and Society from King’s College London (awarded with Distinction), Joe brings a deep understanding of academic integrity, strategic thinking, and global education standards.At The Profs, Joe led the creation of their Consultancy division—offering expert admissions support for competitive UK and US universities, academic mentoring, career guidance, and tailored educational strategies for students worldwide. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Joe is a trusted voice in academic planning, essay structuring, and application coaching.On Academic-Writing.net, Joe shares practical insights into academic writing conventions, formal style, third-person usage, and evidence-based writing techniques. His articles help students across disciplines improve clarity, coherence, and academic rigour in their essays, dissertations, and research papers.“Academic writing isn’t just a skill—it’s a gateway to critical thinking, strong communication, and future success.”Expertise: Academic writing, UK & US university admissions, essay structure, personal statements, research planning