Here's what it means in practice:
* Limited Perspective: The reader only sees and understands what the narrator sees and understands. They are privy to the narrator's internal thoughts and feelings but not necessarily those of other characters.
* Direct Involvement: The narrator is directly involved in the events of the story, whether as a main character or an observer. This creates a sense of immediacy and personal connection for the reader.
* Subjectivity: The story is presented from a subjective point of view, meaning it's filtered through the narrator's personal biases, opinions, and understanding. This can lead to unreliable narration, where the reader must question the truthfulness or accuracy of the story.
Examples of first-person narration:
* "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: The story is told entirely from the perspective of Holden Caulfield, a troubled teenager.
* "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: While narrated in first person, the story is told from the perspective of Scout Finch as a young adult, looking back on her childhood experiences.
* "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The story is told by Nick Carraway, a young man who lives near Jay Gatsby and becomes involved in his world.
Benefits of first-person narration:
* Intimacy and Connection: It allows for a close and personal connection between the reader and the narrator.
* Emotional Depth: It allows for a deeper exploration of a character's inner thoughts and feelings.
* Unreliable Narrator Potential: This can add layers of complexity and intrigue to the story, as the reader must question the narrator's reliability.
Drawbacks of first-person narration:
* Limited Perspective: The reader only sees the story through the narrator's eyes, which can create blind spots or lack of information.
* Subjectivity: The narrator's biases and opinions can influence the reader's understanding of events.
Overall, first-person narration is a powerful literary tool that can be used to create a wide range of effects. It can provide intimacy, emotional depth, and intrigue, but it can also limit perspective and introduce subjectivity.