To Enhance Objectivity and Distance:
* Historical Fiction: A writer might choose third person to create a sense of historical distance, allowing the reader to observe events without the bias of a specific character's perspective.
* Non-fiction: Third person can be used to convey facts and research in a more objective and authoritative manner.
* Stories with Multiple Perspectives: Third person allows the writer to explore the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, offering a more comprehensive view of the story.
To Focus on the Action and World Building:
* Action/Adventure: Third person can help capture the fast-paced action and excitement of a scene, allowing the reader to experience the events as an observer.
* Fantasy or Sci-Fi: Third person can be used to create a sense of wonder and scale, allowing the writer to describe fantastical landscapes and creatures with greater detail.
To Create Dramatic Tension and Suspense:
* Mystery or Thriller: Third person can create suspense by keeping the reader in the dark about certain information, mirroring the protagonist's own lack of knowledge.
* Romance: Third person can be used to create emotional distance between the characters, allowing the reader to experience the build-up of their relationship more intensely.
Other Considerations:
* Character Type: Third person might be a good choice for stories featuring characters who are not particularly introspective or self-aware.
* Theme: The themes of the story can influence the choice of narration. For example, a story about the power of observation might benefit from a third-person perspective.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use first, second, or third person is a matter of personal preference and what best suits the story being told.