In creative writing, the first person narrative is a popular format for its ability to create an immediate connection with the audience. With the writer playing the main actor, it's easy to get deeply personal, allowing you to engage readers' emotions without requiring much setup.

Since the piece is spoken directly in the character's voice, it is automatically strong, allowing the reader to decide whether they can relate to the protagonist's position or not. As a direct way into their affectations, it can either compel them to keep reading or dissuade them from proceeding. Either way, it's a powerful medium for creating a personal connection.

That's not to say that a first-person narrative doesn't come with its own set of drawbacks. The style limits the ability for description. After all, you are speaking from the point of view of the actor, thrust right in the midst of everything that's happening around you. While that limits the amount of imagery you can set (such as describing your own appearance, which is odd), it also opens the door for greater use of the reader's imagination.

Additionally, first-person narratives are usually limited in the level at which they can explore other characters in the story. You can't delve too deep unless there is a logical relationship in place. As such, many of the accompanying ideas you relay in the protagonist's voice can be just as much conjecture as actual truths. While that may present an obstacle, good writers can use it as an opportunity to create mystery and surprise.

If you own a good writing software, chances are it incorporates some of the style elements of first-person narratives among its proofreading functions. While they'll never take the place of a thorough editor experienced in fashioning narratives into pristine pieces of prose, they do help, so don't hesitate to use them.

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