Objective vs. Subjective
✦ How to shape the perspective of your story ✦
🧊 Objective Writing
Definition: Objective writing presents facts and observable events without personal feelings, opinions, or judgments. It’s neutral, factual, and often used in reports, journalism, and scientific writing.
Key features:
- Focus on facts, not feelings
- No emotional language
- Third-person perspective
- Measurable or observable details
💬 Example: “At 7:15 p.m., the train arrived. The man stepped onto the platform. He was carrying a black suitcase.”
🌷 Subjective Writing
Definition: Subjective writing expresses personal opinions, emotions, interpretations, and impressions. It’s common in narratives, diaries, and personal essays.
Key features:
- Uses emotional and sensory language
- Reflects the writer's feelings or thoughts
- Often first-person perspective
- Includes judgments and interpretations
💬 Example: “At 7:15 p.m., the train finally arrived — but it felt like hours. The man looked exhausted, clutching his black suitcase as if his whole life depended on it.”
🎯 Quick Comparison
- Objective = What happened (the facts)
- Subjective = How it felt / what it meant (the experience)
- Tip: Your story can blend both — but the narrative voice should stay consistent.