How To Write Thoughts In A Story: Mastering the Art of Internal Monologue
Writing a compelling story hinges on more than just dialogue and action. It requires a deep dive into the characters’ minds, exploring their inner worlds and the thoughts that shape their actions. This article will guide you through the intricate process of how to write thoughts in a story, equipping you with the tools to create richer, more engaging narratives. We’ll delve into various techniques, exploring the nuances of internal monologue and how to effectively convey a character’s mental landscape to your readers.
Understanding the Power of Internal Monologue
Internal monologue, also referred to as inner thoughts or stream of consciousness, is the direct presentation of a character’s thoughts. It’s the unfiltered voice inside their head, offering readers a glimpse into their fears, desires, and motivations. Mastering this technique is crucial for creating authentic characters and driving the plot forward. It allows you to reveal information subtly, build suspense, and deepen the reader’s emotional connection to your story.
Why Internal Monologue Matters
Think about your own internal dialogue. It’s a constant stream of observations, judgments, and reflections. Your characters’ internal monologues should be equally dynamic. They can:
- Reveal hidden information: A character might be outwardly calm while their internal thoughts betray their anxiety.
- Build suspense: The reader knows more than other characters, creating tension.
- Develop character depth: Internal thoughts reveal personality, flaws, and motivations.
- Drive the plot: Thoughts can lead to actions, creating cause and effect.
- Create empathy: Understanding a character’s thoughts allows readers to connect emotionally.
Techniques for Writing Effective Internal Monologue
Several techniques can be employed to effectively portray a character’s internal thoughts. Choosing the right approach depends on the story’s needs and the desired effect.
Using First-Person Perspective
This is the most direct and intimate approach. In first-person, the reader experiences the story directly through the character’s eyes and thoughts. The internal monologue becomes seamlessly integrated into the narrative. For example:
- “The door creaked open. This is it, I thought, heart hammering. He’s finally here.”
Employing Third-Person Limited Perspective
Third-person limited allows you to focus on one character’s perspective at a time. You can convey their thoughts while maintaining a degree of distance. This is often signaled by phrases like “He thought,” “She wondered,” or by using italics. For example:
- He stared at the envelope. What could it be? He felt a tremor of unease.
Stream of Consciousness: Diving Deep
This technique attempts to capture the raw, unfiltered flow of a character’s thoughts. It often lacks punctuation and structure, mimicking the chaotic nature of the mind. This can be very effective for conveying a character’s emotional state, especially when dealing with trauma or intense emotion.
- The rain, it just kept falling, and the streetlights blurred and the… Where was he? Gone. Lost? No, not lost. Just… gone.
Using Italics and Other Formatting
Italics can be a useful tool to distinguish internal thoughts from the main narrative, however, it is important not to overdo this. It can become repetitive for the reader.
- The phone rang. Who could that be at this hour? He hesitated before answering.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Internal Monologue
While internal monologue can be a powerful tool, it’s easy to make mistakes. Avoiding these common pitfalls is key to writing effective and engaging thought processes.
Overusing Internal Monologue
Too much internal monologue can bog down the narrative and slow the pace. Balance internal thoughts with action and dialogue. Remember to show, don’t just tell.
Telling Instead of Showing
Avoid simply stating what the character is thinking. Instead, use their thoughts to reveal their feelings, opinions, and motivations. Show the reader how they’re thinking, not just what they’re thinking.
Making the Monologue Repetitive
Ensure the internal monologue isn’t redundant. It should add something new to the story. Avoid rehashing information the reader already knows.
Ignoring Character Consistency
Keep your character’s voice consistent. Their internal monologue should match their personality, background, and emotional state. A shy character won’t have the same internal voice as a boisterous one.
Integrating Thoughts with Action and Dialogue
The best internal monologue isn’t isolated; it’s seamlessly integrated with action and dialogue. This creates a dynamic and engaging narrative.
Thought-Action Connection
Show how a character’s thoughts lead to their actions. This creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship and drives the plot forward. For example, a character might think, “I need to get out of here,” and then immediately start searching for an escape route.
Dialogue-Thought Interaction
Use dialogue to trigger internal thoughts. A character’s words can spark a chain of internal reflections. The dialogue can be a catalyst for their thoughts, and their thoughts can influence their response.
Polishing Your Internal Monologue: Editing and Revision
Like any writing technique, internal monologue benefits from careful editing and revision.
Reading Aloud
Reading your work aloud helps you identify awkward phrasing, repetitive thoughts, and inconsistencies in the character’s voice.
Seeking Feedback
Ask beta readers or critique partners to provide feedback on your internal monologue. Do they find it engaging? Does it feel authentic? Does it enhance the story?
Refining the Voice
Ensure the internal monologue reflects the character’s personality, background, and emotional state. Are they sarcastic, introspective, or anxious? The voice should be unique to that character.
Examples of Effective Internal Monologue in Literature
Studying how other authors use internal monologue can be incredibly helpful. Consider these examples:
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Holden Caulfield’s internal monologue is the heart of the novel, revealing his cynicism, alienation, and vulnerability.
- Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf: Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness style offers a deep dive into the characters’ thoughts and perceptions, capturing the complexities of the human mind.
- Beloved by Toni Morrison: Morrison uses internal monologue to explore the trauma and psychological impact of slavery on her characters, creating a powerful and moving narrative.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Writing Thoughts
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further refine your skills:
What if my character has a lot of thoughts?
That’s natural! Focus on the most important thoughts—the ones that drive the plot, reveal character, or create emotional impact. Don’t feel the need to include every thought.
Can I use internal monologue for multiple characters in a scene?
Yes, but be careful not to confuse the reader. Clearly distinguish each character’s internal thoughts using perspective shifts, formatting, or a combination of both.
How do I write internal monologue for a character with a mental illness?
Research and sensitivity are key. Study the specific condition and its impact on thought patterns. Focus on portraying the character’s experience authentically and respectfully.
Is it okay to use internal monologue for exposition?
While it can be tempting, try to avoid excessive exposition through internal monologue. Show, don’t tell. Integrate exposition subtly, using the character’s observations and reactions.
How can I make the internal monologue feel less “scripted”?
Embrace the messy, spontaneous nature of thoughts. Use incomplete sentences, fragmented thoughts, and emotional reactions to create a more realistic and engaging internal voice.
Conclusion: Crafting Compelling Inner Worlds
Writing compelling internal monologue is essential for creating rich and engaging stories. By understanding the power of inner thoughts, mastering various techniques, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create characters that resonate with readers on a deeper level. Remember to seamlessly integrate internal monologue with action and dialogue, and to continuously refine your skills through editing, feedback, and practice. By embracing the art of writing thoughts in a story, you can unlock the full potential of your storytelling and create narratives that truly captivate your audience.