Spencer Lanoue
Ever find yourself staring at a sentence, wondering how to convey a character's inner thoughts without sounding awkward? You're not alone. Writing a character's thoughts can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can make them as engaging and authentic as the spoken dialogue in your story. This post breaks down practical tips to help you nail this aspect of storytelling. Your characters' thoughts will feel as real as the world around them.
Why a Character's Inner Thoughts Matter
Inner thoughts are like a direct line to your character's mind. They reveal motivations, fears, and desires. Everything that drives their actions. When done right, they add depth and dimension, turning a flat character into someone your readers care about. For instance, imagine a character smiling at a friend while internally wrestling with envy. This contrast can create tension and intrigue, keeping your readers hooked.
Ways to Format Thoughts in Your Story
Deciding how to format thoughts can be a bit of a puzzle. Here are some common techniques:
- Italics: This is a popular choice, as it distinguishes thoughts from dialogue. For example: Why did I say that? It was such a dumb move.
- Quotation Marks: Some writers prefer using quotation marks, especially for thoughts that resemble internal dialogue. This can look like: "I can't believe this is happening," she thought.
- No Formatting: You can also choose to blend thoughts seamlessly into the narrative. This approach might read like: She couldn't believe this was happening. What was she going to do now?
Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your writing style and the tone of your story.
Choosing the Right Perspective
The perspective you choose can affect how you convey thoughts. In first-person narratives, thoughts can flow naturally since the entire story is from the character's viewpoint. If your story is told in third-person limited, you have the flexibility to dip into a character's thoughts without disrupting the narrative. Here's a quick example:
First-person: I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. It gnawed at me all day long.
Third-person limited: Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. It gnawed at her all day long.
Both styles have their merits, so consider what best serves your story.
Integrating Thoughts Naturally
Seamlessly blending thoughts into your story can make them feel authentic. Avoid jarring shifts that pull readers out of the narrative. One way to do this is by using actions or descriptions to lead into a thought:
She stared at the empty chair, her mind running in circles. *How long would she have to wait?* The clock ticked rhythmically, but time seemed to stand still.
This approach keeps the flow smooth and maintains reader engagement.
Using Thoughts to Build Tension
Inner thoughts are a great tool for building tension and suspense. By revealing a character's doubts or fears, you can create anticipation about what might happen next. For instance:
He glanced at the closed door, heart pounding. *What if she never forgives me? What if this ruins everything?* Every second felt like an eternity.
By giving readers a glimpse of your character's anxiety, you keep them on the edge of their seats, eager to see the outcome.
Balancing Thoughts and Dialogue
Striking the right balance between thoughts and dialogue is key to maintaining your story's pace. Too many thoughts can slow things down, while too little might leave readers disconnected from your character. Use thoughts to complement the dialogue, adding layers of meaning:
"I'm fine," she said, but her mind whispered a different truth. *If only he knew how much this hurt.*
This interplay can enrich the reader's understanding of your character's emotional state.
Thoughts as a Tool for Character Development
Inner thoughts aren't just about moving the plot forward. They're also a vital tool for character development. They reveal your character's growth, struggles, and transformations. Consider how you can use thoughts to show change over time:
At first, he couldn't stand the sight of the ocean. It reminded him too much of what he'd lost. But now, as he watched the waves crash against the shore, he felt a sense of peace. *Maybe it's time to let go.*
This subtle evolution can make your character's journey more compelling and relatable.
Keeping Thoughts Consistent with Character Voice
Thoughts should match your character's voice and personality. A teenager's inner monologue will sound different from that of a seasoned detective. Pay attention to vocabulary, tone, and style to maintain consistency:
Teenager: *Ugh, why is this happening to me? This is, like, the worst day ever.*
Detective: *Another day, another puzzle. But this one... this one felt different. Something wasn't adding up.*
Consistency makes your characters feel authentic and believable, keeping readers invested in their stories.
Editing and Refining Thoughts
Finally, remember that writing is rewriting. When you review your story, pay attention to how thoughts are integrated. Are they clear and concise? Do they add value to the narrative? Trim any excess to keep your story tight and focused.
Interestingly enough, using a tool like Spell can streamline this process. Our AI document editor helps you refine your writing, ensuring your characters' thoughts are polished and impactful. With Spell, you can draft and edit directly within the platform, saving you time and effort.
Final Thoughts
Writing thoughts in a story involves blending them naturally with the narrative, using them to enhance character development and tension. By choosing the right format and perspective and maintaining consistency with character voice, you can craft inner monologues that resonate with readers. And with Spell, you can create polished and engaging stories faster than ever. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, these tips should help you make those inner thoughts shine.
