Spencer Lanoue
Writing a character's thoughts can be one of the most intimate and revealing aspects of storytelling. It's like peeking into someone's diary, giving readers a direct line to the inner workings of a character's mind. In this post, I'll guide you through different techniques for effectively conveying your character's thoughts, whether you're writing a novel, a short story, or any piece of fiction that requires deep character insight.
Direct Interior Monologue: Getting Inside Your Character’s Head
The direct interior monologue is a classic way to present a character’s thoughts. This technique involves writing thoughts as they occur, with little to no filter or narrative distance. It can create a powerful sense of immediacy and intimacy, making readers feel as if they’re right inside the character’s mind.
Here's an example:
I can't believe this is happening. What am I going to do? Okay, breathe. Just breathe. Maybe it's not as bad as it looks.
This method works particularly well when you want to convey a character's unfiltered emotions or reactions. However, it's essential to use it sparingly. Too much interior monologue can overwhelm the reader and slow down the narrative.
Indirect Interior Monologue: Balancing Thoughts and Narration
Unlike direct interior monologue, indirect interior monologue blends a character's thoughts with the narrator's voice. This allows for more control over how much you reveal and can add layers of complexity to a character's internal and external worlds.
For instance:
She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Could this really be happening to her? She needed to stay calm, but panic was already setting in.
Notice how the indirect approach still gives insight into the character’s thoughts while maintaining a narrative distance. This technique can help keep the story moving while also providing depth.
Free Indirect Speech: The Best of Both Worlds
Free indirect speech blurs the line between the character's thoughts and the narrator's voice. It allows you to dip in and out of the character’s mind seamlessly, often within the same sentence.
Consider this example:
John stared at the letter. He couldn’t believe it. Fired? After all these years? It seemed impossible, yet there it was, right in front of him.
This method offers both the immediacy of the character’s thoughts and the clarity of the narrative voice. It can be an effective way to convey a character’s internal conflict without interrupting the flow of the story.
Using Italics for Thoughts: A Visual Cue
Italics can be a handy tool for distinguishing a character’s thoughts from the surrounding text. This approach is straightforward and easy for readers to follow. However, it's crucial to be consistent with its use to avoid confusion.
For example:
*What am I supposed to do now?* she thought, watching the rain pour down.
While italics can help clarify when a character is thinking, overuse can become distracting. Balance is key, and this technique is often best used for shorter thoughts or moments of reflection.
Thoughts Within Dialogue: When Characters Speak Their Minds
Sometimes, characters express their thoughts out loud, whether to themselves or in conversation with others. This can add a layer of realism, as it reflects how people often think out loud in real life.
Here's a quick example:
"I can't believe he said that," she murmured to herself. "What was he thinking?"
Using dialogue for thoughts can make a scene feel more dynamic, as it incorporates both internal and external elements. Just be mindful of keeping the dialogue realistic and true to the character.
Blending Thoughts with Action: Show, Don’t Just Tell
One of the most effective ways to convey a character’s thoughts is to blend them with actions. Instead of telling the reader what a character is thinking, show it through their behavior.
For instance:
As she watched the clock, her foot tapped rhythmically against the floor. She was late, and the anxiety was starting to show.
This approach allows readers to infer the character's thoughts from their actions, making for a more engaging and immersive reading experience.
Using Spell to Enhance Your Writing Process
Writing a character's thoughts effectively can be challenging, but tools like Spell can help streamline your process. With Spell, you can quickly draft and edit your scenes, ensuring that your characters' thoughts are clear and impactful. By using AI to generate drafts and refine your writing, Spell allows you to focus more on creative storytelling and less on the mechanics of writing.
Inner Dialogue: Creating Conflict and Tension
Inner dialogue often involves a character debating with themselves, weighing different options or struggling with a decision. This technique can be a powerful way to build tension and develop character arcs.
Consider this situation:
Should I tell him the truth? If I do, it could ruin everything. But keeping it a secret might be even worse. She had to decide, and soon.
Inner dialogue can reveal a character’s values, fears, and motivations, providing depth and complexity to their personality and the story.
Maintaining Consistency in Character Thoughts
Consistency is crucial when writing a character's thoughts. Whether you choose direct, indirect, or free indirect speech, ensure that the tone and style of the thoughts align with the character's established voice and personality.
- Ensure the thoughts are relevant to the scene and contribute to the story.
- Maintain the character's voice throughout their thoughts, using language and expressions that are consistent with their personality.
- Avoid redundancy by ensuring that thoughts add new information or insight rather than repeating what's already been shown.
By keeping these points in mind, you can create a more cohesive and immersive experience for your readers.
Final Thoughts
Writing a character’s thoughts can transform your storytelling, adding depth and dimension to your characters and their journeys. Whether you choose direct or indirect methods, or use tools like Spell to streamline your writing process, the key is to stay true to your character's voice and keep your readers engaged. With practice and attention to detail, you'll find the best way to bring your characters' thoughts to life.
