Who’s telling the story?

Let’s explore the following Raven’s Quest video.

In this episode, we will meet Kajsa, a 9-year old girl from the Haida Gwaii nation.

As you explore the video, consider the following:

• Who is sharing their story?
• How do you know?

The narrator’s relationship to the story

Perspective is defined as “who” is telling or narrating the story.

It’s important to consider perspective because it helps the reader and/or viewer understand a character’s or subject’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Whoever is telling the story also influences the reader’s and/or viewer’s opinion of the events explored.

First person perspective

In a text narrated from a first-person perspective, a character or subject in the story narrates what is happening.

You’ll notice the singular first-person pronouns like: “I,” “my,” “me,” “mine,” “myself.”

Or plural first-person pronouns like: “we,” “us,” “our,” “ourselves.”

This perspective is used to communicate a personal story where the narrator is also the main character or subject of the story.

This perspective allows the reader and/or viewer to really connect to a character or subject. This is because it puts us in direct contact with the narrator and helps us to understand their feelings and ideas.

Third person perspective

In a text narrated from third-person perspective, the author tells the story. This means the narrator is not a character in the story.

You’ll notice third-person pronouns like, “she,” “her,” “herself,” “he,” “his,” “himself,” and “they,” “them,” “themselves.”

The story belongs to the person or people being written or talked about.

This perspective allows the author to tell a character’s or subject’s story.

First or third person perspective?

Let’s return to the video from the Minds On section and consider who is narrating the story and how we know.

What do you notice about the excerpt?

You probably noticed Kajsa’s use of the pronouns, “my” and “I.”

Let’s re-create this excerpt in third person perspective. What would you have to change?

Press ‘Hint’ button to access third-person pronouns.

Hint

Complete the First versus Third Person Pronouns chart in your notebook or using the following fillable activity document.

Press ‘Answer’ to reveal the First versus Third Person Pronouns – Answers.

Answer

Explore the text you’ve changed to third person perspective. What do you notice? How does it change your experience of reading and/or listening to the text?

The story belongs to the person or people being written or talked about.

Changing perspectives

Let’s explore another video. In this video, you’ll meet Lindsey and Nicole from the Netherlands.

Let’s re-create this excerpt in third person perspective. In this case there are two first-person narrators. What would you have to change?

Complete the First to Third Person Perspective in your notebook or using the following fillable activity document.

Why is perspective important?

Use the following questions to reflect on your learning. You can record your responses using a method of your choice.

• Why is it important to identify the perspective presented in oral texts? Explain your thoughts.
• Which type of perspective (first-person or third-person) helps you create deeper connections to the text? Explain your thoughts.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.