Writing character thoughts can be tricky, but it’s essential for diving into your character’s inner world and adding depth to your story.
Here is a quick answer to how to write thoughts in a story:
To write character thoughts, use italics for direct thoughts, interior monologue for first-person, deep third-person POV for seamless thought integration, and free indirect discourse for multiple perspectives. Formatting varies by POV—focus on clarity and consistency.
This guide explores 30 of the best ways to write character thoughts.
30 Ways to Write Character Thoughts in a Story
Thoughts are a powerful tool to reveal inner conflict, emotion, and motivation.
Whether you’re writing in first person, third person, or omniscient, how you show thoughts can make a big difference in how the reader engages with your characters. Here are 30 different ways to write character thoughts, with expanded explanations and multiple examples to help you see how each method works in action.
1. Italics for Direct Thoughts
Italics are one of the most common ways to show a character’s direct thoughts, creating a visual break from the narrative.
This method works well for stories where you want thoughts to feel immediate and personal.
Examples:
- What am I supposed to do now? she wondered as the rain poured down.
- This is a terrible idea, he thought, stepping onto the plane.
- I’ll never forgive him for this, she promised herself.
2. Quotation Marks for Thoughts
Some writers, especially in older literature, use quotation marks to indicate thoughts. However, this can be confusing because it looks like dialogue, so use this sparingly and with care.
Examples:
- “What was I thinking?” she thought as she stared at the mess.
- “I can’t believe it,” he thought, watching the fireworks.
- “Is this the end?” she wondered, gripping the railing.
3. First-Person Interior Monologue
In first-person stories, the character’s thoughts are naturally blended into the narrative. No need for italics or special tags—just write their thoughts directly as part of the story.
Examples:
- I couldn’t figure out why everyone was staring. Did I have something on my face?
- Why did I agree to this? I hated public speaking.
- I wanted to run, but my legs wouldn’t move. Not now. Not when it mattered.
4. Stream of Consciousness
This technique mimics the flow of a character’s raw, unfiltered thoughts, often without complete sentences or punctuation. It can create an intense, intimate atmosphere, especially in moments of confusion or high emotion.
Examples:
- Run, now, just go, no time to think, can’t stop—
- The door creaked open. What if—no, it couldn’t be—no, stop thinking about that—
- Just breathe, stay calm, don’t freak out, everything’s fine, right?
5. Free Indirect Discourse
Free indirect discourse lets the third-person narrator dip into a character’s thoughts without explicitly marking them as thoughts. It’s a subtle way to blend narration with internal dialogue.
Examples:
- She walked through the empty hallway. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Everyone was gone, and she was all alone.
- He gripped the steering wheel tighter. He couldn’t let them see how nervous he was.
- She watched the sunset, wondering if she would ever feel that kind of peace again.
6. Italicized Monologue in Third Person
For third-person narratives, italicizing thoughts allows readers to see a character’s internal voice without switching to first-person.
Examples:
- He stared at the closed door. I’ll never get another chance, he thought.
- She watched him leave. Why didn’t I say something? she wondered.
- He held his breath. This is it, he told himself.
7. Thought Tags (He thought, She wondered)
Thought tags are a straightforward way to indicate a character’s internal dialogue. This is a simple method often used when you want clarity.
Examples:
- She thought about the offer but wasn’t sure if she could trust him.
- He wondered why the train was late, tapping his foot impatiently.
- She thought, This can’t be happening, as the news played on the television.
8. Parentheses for Asides
Parentheses can make a thought feel like a quick aside or secret note to the reader. This style works well for casual, quirky narratives.
Examples:
- She nodded politely (even though she wanted to scream).
- He smiled (but he wasn’t happy at all).
- They walked through the park (pretending everything was fine).
9. Using Dashes for Interrupted Thoughts
Dashes are perfect for capturing abrupt thoughts, sudden realizations, or interrupted inner dialogue.
Examples:
- She was about to leave, but—no, she couldn’t. Not yet.
- He reached for the key—Wait, something didn’t feel right.
- She started to apologize, but—What’s the point? he’d never listen.
10. Writing Multiple a’ Thoughts in Third Person Limited
In third-person limited, you can write multiple characters’ thoughts, but only one at a time. It’s important to switch perspectives between scenes or chapters to avoid confusion.
Examples:
- Scene 1 (Sophia’s POV): Sophia watched him leave. I should have said something.
- Scene 2 (John’s POV): John walked away, feeling the weight of the silence. She didn’t even try to stop me.
- Scene 3 (Sophia’s POV): She replayed the moment in her mind. Why didn’t I speak up?
11. Writing Thoughts in Omniscient Narration
Omniscient narration allows you to dip into the thoughts of any character, but you need to balance this carefully to avoid overwhelming the reader.
Examples:
- Emily sat on the porch, thinking about her lost dog. Inside, her brother was wondering how to comfort her.
- As the ship sailed away, the captain was plotting his course, while the crew thought only of home.
- In the crowded room, each person was lost in their own thoughts—some hopeful, some despairing.
12. Deep Third-Person POV
In deep third-person POV, the narrative is so closely aligned with the character’s thoughts that it feels like first-person.
There are no thought tags or italics—just a seamless blend of thought and narrative.
Examples:
- He needed to get out. Now. There was no more time to waste.
- She couldn’t breathe. The room was closing in, and everything was wrong.
- He watched the horizon, knowing that this was the last time he’d ever see it.
13. Present Tense for Immediate Thoughts
In past-tense narratives, you can use present tense for character thoughts to emphasize immediacy and urgency.
Examples:
- She looked around. Where is he? The room was empty.
- He opened the door. Don’t be there, don’t be there, he thought.
- I can’t believe this, she thought as the truth hit her.
14. Avoiding Filter Words
Eliminating filter words like “he thought” or “she felt” allows for a more direct connection with the character’s thoughts. This method is subtle but powerful.
Examples:
- She glanced at the letter. There was no way this could be real.
- He stepped into the hallway. Why was it so quiet?
- The smell hit her first. Something was wrong. Very wrong.
15. Descriptive Thoughts in Action
Show a character’s thoughts through their actions. This method allows you to reveal inner thoughts without stating them directly.
Examples:
- She bit her lip and glanced at the clock. He was late. Again.
- His hands trembled as he reached for the phone. He couldn’t make the call.
- She stared out the window, her foot tapping restlessly against the floor.
16. Thoughts Expressed Through Dialogue with Themselves
Some characters talk out loud to themselves, making their thoughts public in a unique way.
Examples:
- “What was I thinking?” she muttered under her breath as she paced the room.
- “I really need to stop doing this,” he whispered to himself, shaking his head.
- “Great job, me,” she said sarcastically. “Another disaster.”
17. Philosophical Inner Dialogue
Use thoughts to explore deeper, more philosophical questions and reflections, giving readers insight into the character’s worldview.
Examples:
- What was the meaning of it all? Life felt like a cycle of endless repetition.
- Why do we keep trying when everything falls apart in the end?
- Was there really a higher purpose, or were they all just drifting through life?
18. Flashback Thoughts
Blend thoughts with flashbacks to reveal key memories or past events that shape the character’s present actions.
Examples:
- She remembered the last time she’d stood here. Her mother had been with her then. She would know what to do.
- He stared at the empty street, thinking about the night they’d said goodbye. Was it really ten years ago?
- The smell of pine reminded her of Christmas mornings. Dad used to love that time of year.
19. Thoughts Shown Through Body Language
Instead of writing the character’s thoughts directly, show what they’re thinking through body language and their actions.
This approach allows readers to infer a character’s thoughts through physical cues rather than internal dialogue.
Examples:
- Her fists clenched at her sides, and she ground her teeth. There was no need to say anything—her frustration was clear.
- He crossed his arms, his foot tapping rapidly against the floor. Something was bothering him, but he wasn’t going to admit it out loud.
- She averted her gaze, her shoulders slumping. She didn’t need to speak for him to know she was disappointed.
20. Using Questions for Inner Conflict
Character thoughts that come in the form of questions can effectively show their internal conflict.
Example:
Could she really trust him? Was this all just a trick?
Questions in the character’s mind create a sense of uncertainty and tension.
21. Juxtaposing Thoughts with Dialogue
Show the difference between what a character is saying and what they’re really thinking.
Example:
“Of course, I’ll help you,” she said with a smile, but inside she was screaming, No, not again!
This method creates contrast between outward behavior and internal thoughts, showing the complexity of a character’s emotions.
22. Humor in Thoughts
Use character thoughts to inject humor, especially in contrast to a serious situation.
Example:
The room was dead silent. Great, now I look like an idiot.
This is great for lightening the mood or revealing a character’s sarcastic inner voice.
23. Writing Thoughts in Present Tense in First Person Stories
In first-person stories, writing thoughts in present tense can help make them feel immediate and personal.
Example:
I pick up the phone. Should I call her? No, not now. Maybe later.
This gives readers a direct line to the character’s mind, increasing intimacy.
24. Multiple Characters’ Thoughts in a Single Scene
To manage multiple characters’ thoughts in the same scene without head-hopping, use subtle cues to differentiate who is thinking what.
Example:
Mark was still deciding. Should I take the risk? Across the table, Sarah’s mind raced, unsure if she should trust him.
Make sure to provide context so readers can easily follow whose thoughts they’re in.
25. Writing Dreams as Thoughts
You can blur the line between thoughts and dreams, especially if a
character’s dream reflects their inner conflicts or desires. Thoughts within a dream sequence can add symbolic depth.
Example:
In her dream, the house was on fire. She tried to scream, but no sound came out. This can’t be real, right? But it felt real.
Writing dreams as thoughts allows for a blend of surreal and conscious ideas.
26. Using Repetition for Emphasis in Thoughts
Repeating certain words or phrases in a character’s thoughts can emphasize their emotional state or a recurring conflict.
Example:
I can’t fail. I can’t fail. I can’t fail, she repeated to herself, gripping the pen tighter.
Repetition helps convey anxiety, determination, or obsession in a natural way.
27. Sarcasm in Thoughts
A character’s thoughts can often be much more sarcastic or cynical than their spoken words, adding humor or attitude to the inner dialogue.
Example:
“Well, that went perfectly,” she thought as she stared at the spilled coffee. Just my luck.
Sarcastic thoughts can give readers insight into a character’s personality and coping mechanisms.
28. Contrasting Public and Private Thoughts
A character can outwardly behave one way while internally thinking something completely different. This contrast reveals layers to the character’s true feelings.
Example:
He smiled and waved as they left. Good riddance. He couldn’t wait for them to leave.
This method shows how characters navigate social situations while hiding their true thoughts.
29. Metaphorical Thoughts
Use metaphors in thoughts to express abstract feelings or emotions.
Example:
Her thoughts were a tangled web, impossible to untangle as the day spiraled out of control. How did I get here?
Metaphorical thoughts give insight into a character’s emotional or mental state in a more poetic or abstract way.
30. Thoughts Hidden in Description
Instead of writing the character’s thoughts explicitly, you can hide them within descriptions of their surroundings, actions, or observations.
Example:
She traced the edge of the cracked picture frame. It was the only thing left that reminded her of home. Would she ever go back?
Check out this good video with more tips for how to write thoughts in a story:
How to Write Thoughts in a First-Person Story
In first-person stories, the entire narrative comes from the character’s perspective, making it feel like the reader is directly inside their head. The character’s thoughts often blend naturally into the flow of the narrative without the need for italics or tags like “I thought.”
This style allows for raw, unfiltered access to the character’s internal world, helping the reader feel emotionally connected.
However, you can still use italics for emphasis or key moments when a thought stands out.
This can create more impact when you need to underline a specific feeling or realization.
Example: I couldn’t believe my luck. Why did this always happen to me?
In first-person narratives, thoughts tend to be immediate and conversational. The reader feels like they’re experiencing everything as the character does, which can heighten tension or emotion in key scenes.
When writing in first-person, avoid overusing filter words like “I thought” or “I felt.” These can create distance between the reader and the character. Instead, integrate the thoughts directly into the narrative to keep things intimate.
Example (without filter words): I felt the cold wind against my face. I need to get inside before it’s too late.
Example (with filter words): I thought about how cold it was outside and decided I needed to get inside.
The first example flows naturally, drawing the reader deeper into the character’s experience, while the second example creates a slight distance.
How to Write Thoughts in a Third-Person Story
Third-person stories offer more flexibility in how you present thoughts.
Depending on the depth of your third-person narration, you can either show the character’s thoughts from a distance or immerse the reader fully in their internal world.
Third-Person Limited
In third-person limited, you’re focused on one character’s thoughts and emotions, but the narrative voice is still separate. You can use italics for direct thoughts or thought tags like “he thought,” or you can weave the character’s thoughts naturally into the prose through free indirect discourse.
Example (using italics for direct thoughts): He stared at the envelope in his hand. What was he supposed to do now? It wasn’t what he had expected.
Example (free indirect discourse): He stared at the envelope in his hand. What was he supposed to do now? This wasn’t what he had expected.
The second example blurs the line between the narrator’s voice and the character’s thoughts, creating a more seamless blend of internal dialogue and narration.
Third-Person Omniscient
In third-person omniscient, the narrator can dip into multiple characters’ thoughts.
However, it’s essential to avoid head-hopping, which occurs when you switch between characters’ perspectives too quickly without clear transitions. Instead, give each character their own moment in the spotlight, either in separate scenes or chapters.
Example (omniscient perspective): Sophia couldn’t stop thinking about the upcoming meeting. Across the room, John felt the same way, his mind racing through all the worst-case scenarios.
In this example, both characters’ thoughts are presented clearly, but the shift between them is deliberate and controlled.
How to Write Multiple Characters’ Thoughts
When writing multiple characters’ thoughts in a third-person narrative, it’s crucial to avoid confusing the reader.
The key to success is sticking to one character’s perspective per scene or chapter and transitioning between characters in a structured way.
One common method is to use third-person limited, where each scene or chapter focuses on a different character’s thoughts.
This keeps their internal dialogue distinct and prevents the reader from feeling overwhelmed by sudden perspective shifts.
Examples
(Scene 1 – Sophie’s POV):
Sophie glanced at the clock, hoping he wouldn’t notice how nervous she was. I can’t do this.
(Scene 2 – Evan’s POV):
Evan tried to keep his cool, but inside, his mind was racing. What if she says no?
By giving each character their own scenes, the reader can fully immerse in their thoughts without confusion.
You can also use third-person omniscient to explore multiple characters’ thoughts within a scene.
But you’ll need to transition smoothly between them.
Be sure to use clear indicators, like line breaks or strong narrative cues, to signal when you’re shifting from one character’s internal dialogue to another.
Advanced Tactics for Writing Thoughts
For more nuanced storytelling, skilled writers use advanced strategies to weave thoughts into the narrative in ways that add depth and complexity.
1. Unreliable Narrator
An unreliable narrator allows you to manipulate the reader’s perception by showing thoughts that are biased or deceptive. This technique is often used in psychological thrillers and mysteries, where the character’s thoughts mislead both themselves and the reader.
Examples:
She was sure she’d locked the door. I always lock the door, she thought. But the nagging doubt kept creeping back.
Here, the character believes one thing, but the subtle doubt in their thoughts hints at a deeper truth, keeping the reader on edge.
2. Inner Monologue as Conflict
You can use a character’s thoughts to create internal conflict that contrasts with their external actions.
This tactic works well for showing characters who are struggling to hide their true feelings or desires.
Example: She smiled and accepted the award, but inside, she felt nothing. This isn’t who I am anymore.
The external action of smiling conflicts with the internal thoughts, highlighting the character’s inner turmoil.
3. Layering Thoughts with Action
Integrating thoughts with physical actions allows you to reveal a character’s internal state while keeping the scene active. This is a more subtle approach that doesn’t rely on direct thought tags or italics.
Example: He reached for the drawer, trying to keep his hands steady. No one can ever find out. He slipped the letter inside and slammed it shut.
In this example, the physical action of hiding the letter is paired with the thought, showing the character’s fear without explicitly telling the reader how he feels.
When layering thoughts with action, avoid overloading the reader with too many thoughts in quick succession.
Keep the balance between action and internal dialogue to maintain pacing and flow.
Final Thoughts: How to Write Thoughts in a Story
There is more to creating compelling stories than writing the thoughts of characters.
You also need to know how to write dialogue, master settings, and set the scene for pivotal plot points.
With that in mind, check out the articles that I’ve hand-selected below.