Here's why:
* Perspective: Third-person narration focuses on the thoughts and actions of a character. The narrator is external to the story, observing the characters.
* Distance: Using "you" creates a direct connection between the narrator and the reader, which can break the illusion of the story world.
* Clarity: Using "you" in third-person narration can be confusing, as it may not be clear who is being addressed.
Exceptions:
While uncommon, there are some situations where a third-person narrator might use "you":
* Addressing the reader directly: A narrator might occasionally use "you" to address the reader directly, often for emphasis or to break the fourth wall. For example, "You might think this story is a simple one, but..."
* Internal monologue: If a character is thinking to themselves, they might use "you" in their internal monologue, even if the narrator is in third-person.
Examples:
Third-person: "He walked down the street, his head down, his hands in his pockets. He didn't see the car coming."
Third-person with "you": "He walked down the street, his head down, his hands in his pockets. You wouldn't believe what happened next."
Important Note: While "you" is rare in third-person, it is not entirely impossible. The choice depends on the author's intention and the desired effect.