A lesser - known but very good 1st person horror graphic novel is 'My Friend Dahmer'. It gives a chilling look into the mind of Jeffrey Dahmer from the perspective of someone who knew him, and the graphic novel format makes it even more disturbing.
The 1st person perspective in horror graphic novels makes it feel more personal. It's like you are the one experiencing the horror. For example, in 'Locke & Key', when the main character is facing the unknown in the old house, you feel as if you are right there with them.
I haven't read this graphic novel specifically. But generally, a graphic novel set in East St Louis might explore the local culture, the social issues faced by the community such as poverty, crime, and racial disparities. It could also tell stories about the people's daily lives, their hopes and dreams within that particular urban environment.
'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens is also excellent. Pip's first - person account of his journey from a poor boy with 'great expectations' to a more self - aware man is really engaging. We see his growth, his mistakes, and his understanding of the world around him.
A top pick would be 'The Silence of the Lambs'. Clarice Starling's first - person perspective as she tries to catch a serial killer with the help of Hannibal Lecter is truly gripping. You get to see her insecurities, her determination, and how she navigates the male - dominated world of the FBI. Then there's 'The Wire in the Blood'. Psychologist Tony Hill's first - person insights into the minds of killers and his work with the police are fascinating. It dives deep into the psychological aspects of crime - solving.
Well, for a 1st person short story, you need to be really into the head of the 'I' character. You can start with a strong opening like 'I never expected that day to change my life forever.' Then build the plot around the character's actions and reactions. Don't forget to add details about the setting. If the character is in a spooky old house, describe the creaking floors and the musty smell. This helps the reader feel like they are right there with the narrator.
One characteristic is the intimacy. Since the story is told from the narrator's perspective, readers feel closer to the character's thoughts and emotions. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Nick's first - person account makes us feel like we are right there with him, experiencing his confusion and fascination with Gatsby.
One famous 1st person novel is 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. The narrator, Holden Caulfield, tells his story in a very unique and engaging way. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' which has parts where Elizabeth Bennett's first - person perspective gives deep insights into her thoughts and feelings about the society and Mr. Darcy. Also, 'Moby - Dick' has Ishmael as the first - person narrator who takes the readers on a journey into the whaling world.
In classic 1st person novels, the narrator's reliability can be an interesting aspect. In 'Heart of Darkness', Marlow's first - person account may be questioned in terms of how accurate his view of the African continent and the 'savagery' he perceives really is. There's also the ability to create mystery. In 'Rebecca', the new Mrs. de Winter's first - person narration keeps the mystery of Rebecca alive. Moreover, the use of first - person can make the story more emotional. In 'A Tale of Two Cities', Sydney Carton's internal monologues (a form of first - person) are deeply emotional and add a great deal to the overall tone of the novel.
One of the best is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. The first - person narration through Scout gives a child's innocent yet perceptive view of the racially charged events in the town. Another great one is 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. Holden Caulfield's first - person account is full of teenage angst and disillusionment. 'Pride and Prejudice' also has a form of first - person perspective through Elizabeth Bennet's thoughts and feelings which adds depth to the story.