Literary term
First-person narration
A story told by a character using I and me, from inside their experience.
What it means
First-person narration is when a character who uses I and me tells the story, recounting events from inside their own experience. This point of view gives the reader direct access to the narrator's thoughts and feelings, which builds closeness and intimacy. But it also limits what the reader can know.
That is because we only see what the narrator sees and only hear their interpretation, which may be mistaken or biased. First-person narration can make a story feel personal and immediate. But it always raises the question of how much we should trust the teller.
Why it matters in the exam
In the reading and Literature papers, recognising first-person narration helps you discuss intimacy, bias and limited knowledge. It also lets you question how reliable the narrator is. Examiners reward you for noticing what the narrator cannot see as well as what they reveal.
In your own narrative writing, first person can create strong closeness with the reader. Keep the voice consistent and the viewpoint believable.
Example
"I told them I was fine, but my hands would not stop shaking as I reached for the door" lets the reader feel the narrator's fear from the inside.
How to use it
Note the use of I and explain the effects: closeness to the narrator's thoughts, but a limited and possibly biased view. Ask what the narrator might be missing or misreading. In your own writing, use first person to build intimacy.
Keep the voice steady and reveal only what that character could plausibly know, see or feel.
Knowing the term is the first step. In a paid one-hour trial, a teacher helps your child use "First-person narration" accurately in an answer.