How to Indicate a Character Is Thinking in a Novel
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
When you’re writing a story, it’s important to be able to learn how to indicate a character is thinking in a way that is both believable and engaging. The overwhelming benefit of the novel form is that it allows us close access to character interiority, whether in first person point of view or third person point of view. Rendering character thought on the page is possible with any narrative choice, and should be a focus of any writer. One of the most effective ways to do this is by formatting character thoughts in a distinct way. But how exactly do you learn how to indicate a character is thinking? Let’s take a look.
How to Indicate a Character is Thinking: Italics
One of the most common solutions for how to indicate a character is thinking is to format character thoughts in italics. This technique is especially useful for dialogue-heavy scenes where the reader needs to quickly distinguish between spoken words and internal musings, or reaction beats to what’s happening. Consider using italics when your character is having an internal debate, such as when they are trying to decide between two equally appealing (or awful) options. This technique can also help set up an exciting contrast between the inner world of your characters and the outer world they inhabit. Italics apply only to verbatim character thoughts. If you’re curious how to indicate a character is thinking via narrative, that’s also an option.
How to Indicate a Character is Thinking: Narration
Another effective way to learn how to indicate a character is thinking is by putting a summary of the character’s thoughts into narration itself. This would not be a verbatim thought, but a version of what they are telling themselves. For example, a verbatim thought might look like this:
I have to get out of here.
And thought summarized in narration might look like this (in both first person and third person):
I looked at every exit, wondering how to get out of there.
She scanned the exits, looking for a way out of the room.
Obviously the verbatim thought is much more direct, but narration or summary is also an effective tool for how to indicate a character is thinking.
How to Indicate a Character is Thinking: Thought Tags
You can also use tags—such as “he thought” or “she wondered”—to indicate that what follows are your character's own private reflections. This technique can provide readers with valuable insight into what characters are thinking without having them say anything out loud, which can often be more powerful than more hackneyed options like having the character speaking aloud to themselves.
Just make sure not to overuse this method, as too many dialogue tags can quickly become distracting or repetitive. Also, if you use italics, per the above, in your quest to discover how to indicate a character is thinking, you might find that the “thought” tag is unnecessary, as readers will get used to italics representing thought.
No matter which method you choose for how to indicate a character is thinking, it's important that you remain consistent in how you format your characters' thoughts throughout your story. Doing so will help ensure that readers understand who is thinking what and when—and more importantly, why—so that they can better connect with those characters on an emotional level.
How to indicate a character is thinking can happen through italics, narrative, or with the help of tags. By exploring these options, you’ll be able to find a style that works with your story and narrative voice.
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Click here to purchase Writing Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters, my book on interiority and character creation. Explore your protagonist’s thoughts, feelings, reactions and interpretations, expectations, and inner struggles to create a rich, immersive experience. This guide will empower you to create characters who live and breathe on the page, fostering an unbreakable bond with your audience.