Point of View Dilemma

[Saffire Persian]

Well, I'm currently writing a short story in 2nd person, but while I was writing and planning it I came upon a certain dilemma that puts my first choice in POV at a loss. I'd like to use it, but there are a few problems.

First off, because of the nature of the story, it would be better to assign the main character a gender, instead of leaving it up to the reader's imagination like in the other 2nd person I wrote. That's all well and good, but to me it seems to somewhat defeat the purpose of second person - as wouldn't you have trouble connecting to the person of if 'you' character is of the opposite gender? Or, in your opinion, would it not matter?

Secondly, the main character's personality is rather defined, instead of being a bit on the bland so that you can connect a bit better, as you can at least connect the basic emotions to yourself.. so.. it seems to deepen the rift, if you know what I mean, and it might ruin what the second person POV achieves.

That, at least, is my thoughts on the manner, but only being the author, I don't know what other people will think exactly on this aspect. So if I went with 2nd person, revealed the gender, and had a very defined personality, would it ruin the experience for you? Or would you adapt to it? Or would I just be better writing it in first or third?

 

[icemew]

Actually, I think that sounds really interesting. Most second-person is undefined, so having a you-character that's really distinct and unreaderlike would make a really cool fic, and original.

 

[Sempris]

I'm slightly confused here... So, you want the character to have a gender, and also have a specific personality, but you don't want to ruin the emotional experience from the writing because of those things?

Being a long-time 2nd person writer myself, I'd say you're fine with whatever you feel is fit. A lot of stories that I've read all have the character in a certain personality. (Withdrawn/quiet, or Spunky and crazy) And they all catch the emotional drift no matter who is reading it. In fact, I myself am quite a withdrawn person in real-life, and hardly speak to anyone. But here I am, reading stories about the 'you' character bouncing off walls and being a blabbermouth, and actually enjoying it. I still feel the emotions from it, so personality-wise its no big deal.

Gender-wise though, it depends on who you want to read this. If you want to target an audience of all genders, I would highly suggest doing as you wish and making it male/female, but make sure to not imply 24/7 that 'you' are that gender. (a guy reading the story might not want to be reminded constantly in the fic he's a girl, XD)

Basically, you'll be fine no matter what you do. Just don't add a whole lot of romance if you want the all-genders thing...

...I hoped I helped.. At leat a little. I wasn't really sure what you were asking...

 

[Tale]

I agree with Sempris. It'll be fine to give the character more of a personality, because the nature of stories simply allow people to adapt to that fact.

Having a gender could be fine, under the circumstances Sempris mentioned.

Having said that, if you do make the character a certain gender, and constantly remind the reader that they're of that gender (lets say the characters female), you might lose a few male readers (a few, I'm sure many males will still read) but in the long run gain more female readers. It all depends really on how you write it all.