Writing Excuses

20.16: Second Person

Apr 20, 2025

The second-person narrative perspective is explored for its unique ability to immerse readers in the story. It creates an intimate experience, making readers feel like active participants rather than passive observers. The podcast dives into various forms of this POV, including its use in letters and conversations. It highlights the emotional depth it can offer, especially in marginalized storytelling. Additionally, it encourages writers to experiment with this engaging style, concluding with a creative homework challenge.

26:43

Creator website

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Second person perspective uniquely engages readers by placing them directly within the narrative, fostering a sense of intimacy and emotional response.

This narrative style can challenge readers by requiring them to confront actions or decisions that might conflict with their personal beliefs, impacting their connection to the text.

Deep dives

Exploring Second Person Perspective

Second person perspective uses 'you' to draw readers into the narrative, creating an immediate connection that can be both engaging and disorienting. This perspective offers a unique form of intimacy compared to first person narration, as it places the reader directly within the experience of the story, often leading to a strong emotional response. For example, when characters address the reader or another character in the second person format, it can mirror real-life dialogues, allowing readers to feel as if they are participating in the action. However, challenges arise when readers are asked to engage in actions that conflict with their own beliefs or decisions, which can disrupt their connection to the text.

Intro

2min

Exploring the Chaos of Second-Person Perspective

2min

The Power of Second Person Perspective

7min

Immersive Storytelling and Moral Reflection

2min

The Immersive Power of Second Person Narrative

16min

Exploring the Impact of Second Person Narrative

3min

People often think of first person POV as the most intimate voice. But in a way, we think second person might be more intimate. With second person, you’re forcing the reader’s subjectivity into the fiction itself. You are integrating the person who is reading the story into the experience of being in the story– in a way that can be a little disorienting (or fun) for the reader.

In the world of POVs, the second person can sometimes feel like a chaotic perspective. There are several different versions, depending on who the “you” is addressing. Is it the reader? Is it another character? What happens when “you” appears in a letter within a story? Second person often appears in conversation and on social media because it’s a way to draw your conversational group into the experience that you personally had. So, when should you use it in your writing, and how can you use it to help advance or deepen your story?

Homework: Write something in the second person, and think of something you’re getting across in the scene. Now, try to convey it with a “you” that’s directed towards another character. Then, as a “you” in a letter. Finally, write it again where the “you” is the reader themselves.

P.S. Want to come write with us in 2025?! Our retreat registration is open, and we are starting to fill up! We are going to unlock our creative processes in Minnesota and explore Story Refinement as we cruise down the Mexican Riviera! Learn more here.

Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, and Howard Tayler. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

Join Our Writing Community!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/writing-excuses2130/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy