what do you do for a thinking character

3 min read 24-12-2024

Creating believable and engaging characters is crucial for any successful story. While action and dialogue are important, a character's inner life—their thoughts and feelings—are what truly bring them to life. This article explores how to develop and showcase the inner world of a "thinking character," making them relatable, complex, and memorable.

Understanding Your Thinking Character

Before diving into actions, understand your character's core:

1. Defining Their Thought Processes

Cognitive Style: Are they logical and analytical, intuitive and emotional, or something in between? Do they rely on facts, gut feelings, or a combination? This shapes how they process information and make decisions.
Belief System: What are their fundamental values, beliefs, and worldviews? These underpin their actions and reactions, coloring their thoughts.
Internal Conflicts: What are their inner struggles? Every character needs conflict, and internal conflict adds layers of complexity. This could be a moral dilemma, a fear, a doubt, or a repressed desire.

2. Exploring Their Inner World

What occupies their mind? What are their recurring thoughts? You need to delve deep into their psychology to effectively portray them.

Internal Monologue: This is the character's internal voice, their stream of consciousness. Use it to reveal their thoughts, doubts, and observations.
Flashback & Memory: Past experiences shape present thoughts. Use flashbacks or memories to reveal crucial details that influence their current thinking.
Dreams & Nightmares: Dreams can provide insight into subconscious desires and fears. Use dreams strategically to unveil hidden aspects of the character.

Showing, Not Telling: Techniques for Portraying a Thinking Character

Simply stating "He was worried" is weak. Show the worry through their actions and inner thoughts.

1. Action as a Reflection of Thought

Actions often reveal more than words. How does your character's thinking manifest in their behavior?

Body Language: Do they fidget, pace, or avoid eye contact when anxious? Do they have a rigid posture when determined?
Habitual Actions: Do they engage in repetitive behaviors when stressed or deep in thought (e.g., nail-biting, pacing)?
Decision-Making: How do they arrive at their decisions? Do they meticulously weigh pros and cons or act impulsively based on intuition?

2. Internal Monologue and Stream of Consciousness

This allows direct access to the character's mind. However, it needs to be carefully woven into the narrative.

First-Person Perspective: This is the most straightforward approach for showcasing inner thoughts.
Third-Person Limited: Focus on the character's perspective, but maintain the third-person narration. This offers a blend of intimacy and objectivity.
Free Indirect Discourse: Blend the narrator's voice with the character's thoughts, creating a subtle yet powerful insight into their mindset.

3. Dialogue as a Window to Thought

Even dialogue can reveal a character's inner workings.

Subtext: What is unsaid but implied? Pay close attention to the nuances of their language and tone.
Hesitations and Pauses: These can indicate uncertainty or internal conflict.
Word Choice: The words a character uses reveal much about their personality, background, and current mental state.

Examples of Thinking Characters in Literature

Many iconic characters are defined by their rich internal lives. Consider:

Sherlock Holmes: His sharp intellect and analytical mind are central to his character.
Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice): Her intelligence and independent thinking are integral to her personality.
Hamlet: His introspective nature and internal conflicts drive the entire play.

Conclusion: Crafting a Compelling Thinking Character

A truly compelling character is more than just a collection of actions and dialogues; they possess a rich inner life. By understanding their thought processes, employing various narrative techniques, and studying examples from literature, you can create memorable characters who resonate deeply with your readers. Remember that showing, not telling, is key to effectively portraying the internal world of your thinking character, allowing your readers to connect with them on a profound level.