The effective depiction of internal monologue allows characters to evolve beyond simple actions and dialogue, granting readers access to their motivations, fears, and desires. This involves conveying what a character is thinking a stream of consciousness, a specific reflection, or a fleeting impulse within the narrative. For example, instead of stating “Sarah was nervous,” the writing could reveal: “Sarah gripped the steering wheel. He’s late. Again. Her stomach churned, a familiar knot forming.”
Rendering a character’s inner world brings depth and authenticity to the story. It fosters empathy by allowing readers to understand the ‘why’ behind a character’s decisions and reactions, enriching the overall reading experience. Historically, this technique has evolved from direct, authorial intrusion (“She thought…”) to more subtle and nuanced approaches, mirroring the psychological realism sought in modern literature.
