How to Start a Story in First Person: Tips and Examples

Introduction

Writing in first person perspective is a great way to engage readers and draw them into your story. It can be a powerful tool for creating an intimate relationship between the protagonist and the reader. But starting a story in first person isn’t always easy. To get off on the right foot, you’ll need to introduce the protagonist and their current situation, set up their goals and motivations, and create a vivid and compelling picture of the world they inhabit.

Introduce the Protagonist and Their Current Situation

The first step in writing a story in first person is to introduce the protagonist and their current situation. This should include information about who they are, where they live, and what they’re doing. You don’t need to provide a lot of detail at this stage, but you should make sure that readers have a basic understanding of the character and their context.

For example, if your protagonist is a teenage girl living in a small town, you might start with a sentence like, “My name is Jane and I’m a seventeen-year-old girl from a sleepy little town in the Midwest.” This gives readers enough information to start forming an idea of who Jane is and what her life is like.

Start in Media Res – Throw the Reader into a Scene Already in Progress

Starting in media res (or “in the middle of things”) is a great way to draw readers in and keep them hooked. Rather than spending time setting up the scene and introducing characters, you can jump straight into the action and let readers figure out the details as they go along. This technique has been used by authors such as J.K. Rowling and Stephen King to great effect.

“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed,” is the opening line of Stephen King’s The Gunslinger, and it does a great job of throwing readers into the middle of a dramatic scene. Similarly, J.K. Rowling starts her Harry Potter series with the line “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.” This immediately sets up an intriguing situation and invites readers to find out more.

Establish the Protagonist’s Goals, Motivations, and Conflicts

Once you’ve established the protagonist and their current situation, it’s important to set up their goals, motivations, and conflicts. This will give readers an idea of why the protagonist is doing what they’re doing and help them understand the stakes involved. It’s also a great way to foreshadow future events and hint at the direction the story is going to take.

Rather than spelling everything out for readers, try to show rather than tell. Plant clues throughout the story that hint at the protagonist’s goals and motivations. For example, if your protagonist has a goal of becoming a doctor, you could mention that they spend a lot of time studying biology or volunteering at a local hospital. This will give readers an idea of what the character is striving towards without explicitly stating it.

Use Vivid Descriptions to Draw the Reader In

Creating vivid and detailed descriptions is essential for bringing a story to life. When writing in first person, it’s important to use descriptive language that helps readers feel like they’re right there with the protagonist. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment and use sensory language to help readers connect with the character.

For example, rather than simply saying “The beach was beautiful,” you could write something like, “The sun was setting over the ocean, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. The waves lapped gently against the shore, and the air was filled with the smell of salt and seaweed.” This type of description will help readers form a clearer picture of the scene and make the story more immersive.

Start with a Dialogue Between Characters

Dialogue can be a great way to start a story in first person, as it allows you to quickly establish the characters and their relationships. Starting with a conversation between two or more people can help readers get to know the characters and understand their dynamic without needing a lot of exposition. Make sure to use natural-sounding dialogue and avoid having characters explain too much.

For example, if you’re writing a story about two friends meeting for lunch, you might start with a dialogue like this: “Hey, how’s it going?” Bill asked as he sat down at the table. “Not bad,” Sarah replied with a smile. “I’m starving – what did you get?” This short exchange already tells readers a lot about the characters and their relationship.

Set the Scene by Describing the Environment

Describing the environment is another important element of starting a story in first person. Whether it’s the protagonist’s home, workplace, or a place they’re visiting for the first time, providing vivid details about the setting can help readers visualize the scene and make the story more engaging.

When describing a location, focus on the details that are most relevant to the story. If the protagonist is in a busy city, for example, you might mention the sound of car horns and the smell of exhaust fumes. Or if they’re in a peaceful forest, you might describe the chirping of birds and the soft rustle of leaves. These types of descriptions will help readers feel like they’re right there with the protagonist.

Conclusion

Starting a story in first person can be a great way to draw readers into the narrative and create a strong connection between the protagonist and the reader. To do this effectively, you’ll need to introduce the protagonist and their current situation, start in media res, establish their goals and motivations, use vivid descriptions, and set the scene by describing the environment. With these tips and examples, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an engaging and immersive story in first person.