Present & Past tense change in chapters

Cinders · 07-24-2009, 06:03 AM

Hi all. Working on a sci-fi story, where the MC is 1st person, present tense. I'm putting in chapters from others perspectives, but in 3rd person. So far, I feel it looks better in 3rd person in past tense. What's the taboo on this sort of thing? Should I make the 3rd person, supporting character chapters be in present tense?

I've had someone ask why I don't keep it 1st person narration for the different characters. My only real reason is that it feels like it takes away from the MC's uniqueness. The MC doesn't have any outstanding qualities that sets him up for the Hero, but I'm hoping the understanding and bond he makes with the reader will give him that status.

I appreciate any input, thanks!

Neca · 07-24-2009, 08:48 PM

Hmm... interesting question. Having your main character written in first-person while doing other characters in third-person isn't terribly common, although I have read 6-7 books that do it well. But I think switching between past and present tense in addition to that might be a little too much?

Of course, it's your choice. Maybe you can make it work. Most of the time, I don't really like present-tense as much anyway, so I'd probably just switch everything to past-tense if it was my story.

You could also just write it how you want to and worry about it later. It shouldn't be that difficult to change from one to the other in the editing process.

Good luck!

Samantha · 07-27-2009, 03:40 PM

I haven't seen it done either, but I think it could work. I say give it a try.

Mark · 01-01-2010, 09:31 PM

The Widow of the South (which was very popular when it came out) did a lot of style changes between various characters, but I can't remember if it ever switched between past- and present-tense or not.

I'm sure someone has done it before, though - I can't see any real reason why you shouldn't.

07-24-2009, 06:03 AM	#1
Cinders Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	Hi all. Working on a sci-fi story, where the MC is 1st person, present tense. I'm putting in chapters from others perspectives, but in 3rd person. So far, I feel it looks better in 3rd person in past tense. What's the taboo on this sort of thing? Should I make the 3rd person, supporting character chapters be in present tense? I've had someone ask why I don't keep it 1st person narration for the different characters. My only real reason is that it feels like it takes away from the MC's uniqueness. The MC doesn't have any outstanding qualities that sets him up for the Hero, but I'm hoping the understanding and bond he makes with the reader will give him that status. I appreciate any input, thanks!

07-24-2009, 08:48 PM	#2
Neca Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 228	Hmm... interesting question. Having your main character written in first-person while doing other characters in third-person isn't terribly common, although I have read 6-7 books that do it well. But I think switching between past and present tense in addition to that might be a little too much? Of course, it's your choice. Maybe you can make it work. Most of the time, I don't really like present-tense as much anyway, so I'd probably just switch everything to past-tense if it was my story. You could also just write it how you want to and worry about it later. It shouldn't be that difficult to change from one to the other in the editing process. Good luck!

07-27-2009, 03:40 PM	#3
Samantha Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 10	I haven't seen it done either, but I think it could work. I say give it a try.

01-01-2010, 09:31 PM	#4
Mark Administrator Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 615	The Widow of the South (which was very popular when it came out) did a lot of style changes between various characters, but I can't remember if it ever switched between past- and present-tense or not. I'm sure someone has done it before, though - I can't see any real reason why you shouldn't.