In writing, how do you have a character have a thought? Is it in quote marks or just in plain font?

Question

I know it is not italisizced. (Spelling is not correct on the last word- I am in a hurry.

Answer 1

It depends if it is written in 3rd person or 1st.

If it is in 3rd person - a story with multiple characters, then use the quotation marks. Example:

It was a dark and stormy night. "What am I doing here?", thought Jake. Just then...

Answer 2

There is no single definitive answer to this one. Various authors, editors and publishers have adopted different conventions and practices. Some use italics for thoughts. Some enclose thoughts in single quotes and dialog in double quotes. Some use dashes to set off thoughts. Some incorporate thoughts directly into the narrative.

The important thing is to pick one style, make it very clear to the reader how it works (particularly the first few times you use it in a story or novel), and stick to that style throughout.

Of course, if you're asking in the context of an academic assignment, then it would be wise to adopt whichever practice your professor or teacher prefers. Don't ask us. You'll just get a bunch of different opinions and preferences. Ask your professor!

Answer 3

If the thought is of action, then it is in plain font. If it is of words, those words are put into quotes. As an example:

"I don't want him to see how scared I am of the gun", James thought. I know. I'll shout "jump him now" to an imaginary person behind him, and when he turns, I'll grab his gun.

Answer 4

When writing in a narrative voice, the thoughts of the character needs to be in parathense or quotation marks, for example: As she walked down the narrow and dark alley, she thought to herself "What if someone trys to scare me? Am i being followed".

Answer 5

I disagree with shannon and cesar. If you put thought in quotes, your reader will not be able to tell it from dialogue until they reach the attribute "she thought."

I put thought in the same form as dialogue, but without the quotes.

"Good morning," she said. Yes, it's a lovely morning, you old witch, she thought.

Like that. Only usually what's being said and thought are better, I hope.

Answer 6

Something like this: He thought to himself, "why is this here?" or if you want to designate the thought without quotes, something like: He thought to himself why that was there. Hope this helps

Answer 7

It goes in quotes

Answer 8

even wen u write sumthin in first person u need to put it in quotations.this is b'cuz the reader needs to know whether the person is narratin sumthin to them or sayin it to another person in the friend.so it is necessary that u put all dialogues in quotes.

Answer 9

u put it in quotes

Answer 10

I think it's supposed to be in italics