how does shifting the point of view [third person to first person] change the effect on the reader

It's very confusing. If a story or essay starts out in 3rd person, the reader picks up on that and expects that to continue -- a shift to another POV is confusing and could lead to not understanding the piece of writing.

it's not like changing the the pov in the middle of the story-- it's writing the same story in a whole new pov

It depends on how the change is effected. If the change is introduced clearly, it will not have a negative effect.

"Here is what one witness had to say...."

"This is John's version of what happened...."


The first person might be more personal, usually giving individual insights that might not be shared in a third person narrative.

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.

Shifting from third person to first person point of view can have a significant impact on the reader's experience. When a story or essay starts in third person, readers assume that the narrative will continue in that perspective. Therefore, abruptly shifting to a different point of view can be confusing and may result in the reader not fully understanding the piece of writing.

However, if the change in point of view is introduced clearly and effectively, it can have positive effects. For example, using phrases like "Here is what one witness had to say" or "This is John's version of what happened" can help signal the shift to a first person perspective.

Writing in first person can create a more personal connection between the reader and the narrator or protagonist. It allows for a deeper exploration of the character's thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences. This can provide unique insights that may not be as readily available in a third person narrative.

In summary, while shifting from third person to first person can be confusing if not handled well, when executed properly, it can enhance the reader's engagement by creating a more intimate and personal connection to the story or essay.