Summarizing Passages in Third Person Present Tense: A Guide with Practical Example

Introduction to Third Person Point of View

The third person point of view is a versatile storytelling technique that allows writers to tell a story from an objective perspective, focusing on the actions and thoughts of the characters without using first-person pronouns such as I, me, or we. This perspective enhances the narrative's objectivity, providing a more detailed and unbiased account of events. In this article, we will explore the process of summarizing passages in the third person present tense, focusing on creating a chronological and engaging narrative.

Understanding Third Person Present Tense

Third person present tense is a narrative style where the storyteller refers to the characters using third-person pronouns like he, she, or they, without the use of past or future tense. It is often favored for its immediacy and objectivity. In this article, we will guide you through the process of converting summary writing into a third person present tense chronological narrative, ensuring that the events are linked logically and engagingly.

Example and Practical Guide

The Original Text in Third Person

A party is in full swing, filled with smoke and noise. About seventy or ninety people are crammed into the second floor of an old clapboard house at the beach. Two powerful speakers blast out loud, bone-cracking thuds, with a rapper screaming at the top of their lungs. Conversations are intense and conversations, conversations, form a deafening blur. Nikki, standing against a buffet as far from the speakers as she can be, has a glass of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other. She scans the room, reflecting on the party. It would have been fun once, with people being young. But now, at twenty-seven, she feels left out and disconnected. Feeling this sense of detachment, she moves away from a man attempting to talk to her, not wanting to interact with Benjamin who is on the other side of the room. Benjamin is shouting into the ear of a geeky kid in rimless glasses who has made an app.

Steps to Summarize in Third Person Present Tense

Step 1: Identify the Main Character and Their Actions

The main character is Nikki. Identify her actions, thoughts, and reactions. Nikki is at a party, trying to avoid the noise and talking to her. Describe her physical position, her actions, and her emotions in third person present tense.

Step 2: Chronological Order of Events

Order the events of the passage chronologically. First, the party is described. Then, Nikki’s actions and thoughts are detailed. Finally, her movements and the interactions with others are explained.

Step 3: Connect the Events Logically

Link the events by explaining the cause and effect. Nikki moves away from the noise because she feels disconnected. She avoids Benjamin and his friend due to a sense of alienation.

Step 4: Maintain Objectivity and Clarity

Keep the summary objective and clear. Use straightforward language and avoid unnecessary details that do not contribute to the narrative.

Final Summary in Third Person Present Tense

The party is in full swing, filled with smoke and noise, and about seventy or ninety people are crammed into the second floor of an old clapboard house at the beach. Two powerful speakers blast out loud, bone-cracking thuds, with a rapper screaming at the top of their lungs. The conversations are intense and conversations, conversations, form a deafening blur. Nikki, standing against a buffet as far from the speakers as possible, has a glass of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other. She scans the room, her senses overwhelmed. It would have been fun once, with people being young. But now, at twenty-seven, she feels left out and disconnected. Feeling this sense of detachment, she moves away from a man attempting to talk to her, not wanting to communicate with Benjamin, who is on the other side of the room shouting into the ear of a geeky kid in rimless glasses who has made an app.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively summarize a passage in third person present tense, ensuring a chronological and engaging narrative. This approach not only enhances the objectivity and immediacy of the storytelling but also makes the summary more compelling by establishing clear links between events and the character’s motivations.