Lesson 2 Exercise

First Person Limited

On Monday mornings I inventory the ammunition.  Even though it’s all locked behind bullet proof glass doors, and there are security cameras in the department, the job must be done and a report sent to HQ.  As long as I’ve been doing this, I’ve always believed it’s virtually impossible for anyone to steal a box of ammo, until today, that is.

I am short three boxes of Federal premium # 56742 bullets.  As that realization sinks in, I hear the high pitched voice of Darrell Friske.  He’s not the sharpest tack in the box and still lives with his mama on Boone Road.

“I already have ammo; I just need the friggin holster.” 

That sends my radar up as Darrell likes camping, not hunting.

Third Person Limited

Every Monday, Brady Hart inventories the ammunition at Hunter’s World.  Although Brady takes his job seriously, he didn’t ever think ammunition could possibly go missing due to the tight security and the surveillance cameras everywhere. 

Brady counted the Federal Premium boxes # 56742 three times before he figured out three boxes were missing.

Giving his head a good scratching, he stepped back to review the entire cabinet, thinking the missing boxes may have gotten misplaced.

It was the squeaky voice of Darrell Friske that made his head snap up. 

“I already have ammo; I just need the friggin holster.”

This was news to Brady and something he couldn’t take lightly.  He knew Darrell liked camping, and since he still lived with his mama, there was no way she’d allow Darrell to go hunting.


Third Person Omni

Brady Hart, employee of the month, performed the obligatory inventory every Monday morning.  He could do it with his eyes closed knowing all the ammunition stocked was locked and under surveillance 24/7.  So it was a bit of a surprise when his count was three boxes short of Federal Premium #56742.  The kind used for hunting small game.  He stepped back with concern and scratched his head.  He didn’t even notice Darrell Friske barging into the hunting department.

Darrel was on a mission today.  He needed a sturdy tent, but first he wanted some equipment from the hunting department.  It was important to get all the items on the list.  Darrell lived his life according to lists.  His mama made sure of that.

Rudy, the new counterman was more than helpful, but Darrell was adamant about certain things and said so.

“I already have ammo; I just need the friggin holster.”

Brady’s head snapped up when he heard Darrell’s squeaky voice.  He knew Darrell was fond of camping.  It didn’t seem possible that the town busy-body would allow her ‘not so bright’ son to go hunting.

1)  What are the differences in the pieces?

First person is more intimate, but we receive a little less information.  We don't see Brady scratching his head.  Third Person Limited we get a little more insite into Brady's life at Hunter's World.  Third Person Omni, we meet all the characters and their habits/abilities.

2)  How did they change when the POV changed?

With POV change, more descriptions became available.

3)  Did the narrative voice change when the POV changed?

Yes.  With more information the broader the scope of the narrative.

4)  Which one do you like best?

I prefer first person limited.  Although, I would freely challenge myself to attempt any of the selections.