Should a novel be written in first or third person?

There's no single "right" answer to whether a novel should be written in first or third person. The choice depends entirely on what you want to achieve with your story and how it best fits your vision.

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each perspective:

First Person (I/We)

Pros:

* Immediacy and intimacy: The reader feels deeply connected to the narrator's thoughts and experiences.

* Strong voice: The narrator's personality shines through, creating a unique style and tone.

* Limited perspective: This can create suspense and mystery, as the reader only sees the world through the narrator's eyes.

* Internal monologue: Allows for exploration of the narrator's inner thoughts and feelings.

Cons:

* Limited scope: The reader only sees events as the narrator experiences them, potentially missing vital information.

* Subjectivity: The narrator's biases and interpretations can influence the reader's perception of events.

* Can feel restrictive: First-person can limit the author's ability to explore other characters' thoughts and perspectives.

Third Person (He/She/They)

Pros:

* Wider scope: Allows for multiple perspectives and greater insight into the story's world and characters.

* Objectivity: Provides a more neutral and unbiased perspective on events.

* Flexibility: The author can move freely between characters and locations, offering greater narrative freedom.

* More traditional: Third person is often considered the "default" narrative perspective.

Cons:

* Can feel distant: The reader may feel less emotionally connected to characters.

* Less intimate: It's harder to establish a strong and unique voice when the narrator is not a character.

* Can be clunky: Switching between characters can be difficult to manage and can disrupt the flow of the story.

Ultimately, the best perspective is the one that serves your story the best. Ask yourself:

* What kind of story are you trying to tell?

* What kind of relationship do you want the reader to have with your characters?

* How important is it for the reader to understand the motivations and thoughts of multiple characters?

* What kind of tone and voice do you want to achieve?

Experiment with different perspectives and see what feels most natural and effective for your story. There are also hybrid approaches, like third-person limited (focusing on one character's thoughts and feelings), that can be a good compromise.