When you read does your mind create different voices for each character or do you only hear your own voice?

Question

Whenever I read, whether it be a novel or a newspaper article or whatever, I naturally use my own voice (in my head) for each character/speaker. I was just wondering what other people did. Do you hear a different voice for each character or do you just hear your own voice?

Answer 1

Interesting question. When I read, say a novel the narrator's (if written in the third person) voice is male if the author is male and female if the author is female and it's never my own voice. When I read a dialogue, the voices are all different and every character has a different voice and when appropriate, and accent. I always assumed most people did that as well, it's certainly interesting to find out that's not the case.

Answer 2

I hear it as my own voice, but each character has their own "voice". Let me explain.

I read aloud to people all the time, I have two younger siblings and I am a nanny. And when I read, each character gets their own slightly different voice, but it is still my voice reading their words. They just all sound slightly different. I hear myself reading things like that- each character with a different voice, but they are all my own "voices".

*EDIT*
I have found a couple exceptions to this general rule. When I first saw the Harry Potter movies, Alan Rickman's voice became the voice of Snape. And when I listen to an audio book with a very distinctive voice, often their voice becomes the voice of the main character when I read another book in te same series. Maybe it's only my voice unless something really seems to work for the character.

Answer 3

I'd have to say both. When I read a newspaper, I have no referent, so I guess I'd have to say it's my own voice I hear.

But when I read a novel, the character's voice is in my head, albeit manufactured by me for the character. And it's quite specific, not just male or female.

What a great question! Have a terrific Christmas!!!

Answer 4

Interesting question. I always hear my own voice. When I listen to an audio book I'm often astonished at how well the narrator will do different voices for each character. It's a talent I don't have.

Answer 5

Often I hear the voices of the characters as I read. It's one of the most enjoyable aspects of certain books. John Mortimer wrote a series of books about a barrister named Horace Rumpole who has been played on television by Leo McKern. Now whenever I read Rumpole books I hear Leo McKern, even in those books that were not made into TV shows.
Jane Austen's Mrs. Norris (Mansfield Park) sounds like Carol Burnett imitating Queen Elizabeth II. Mrs. Norris always makes me laugh.
If you don't hear the voices, try reading parts of the story out loud and making up appropriate voices. They may carry over to your silent reading.
Thanks for a good question.

Answer 6

I find that I use my own 'voice'-- and thoughts-- when reading anything.
My own 'voice' and thoughts are in my head as I read the news.
My own 'voice' and thoughts are in my head as I read either fiction or non-fiction.

I think this is because what I read causes constant reaction from me, constant thought and imagination, and my reactions and thoughts, even my imagination, are my own.

They are there after years of studying literature, working as a journalist, writing and reading--
There are always my own reactions, thoughts, and imagination, and they in no way interfere with my reading or writing.
I think they enhance both reading and writing, allowing me to sift through and examine what I read or write.

I think it's a good way to read anything, because in that way a person learns and 'observes' as a person reads; making comparisons that may even be subconscious, and also noticing effects, styles, noticing what may move the person to do or not do something about what is read, often lending more enjoyment while reading a piece.

It's a good way to recognize good literature, a good way to recognize and re-write what may be flaws in ones own writing, and a good way to have a wider scope by which to judge the news of the day.
Thanks for the question, it's interesting.

Answer 7

Ooh, cool question! You get a star. ;)

That's hard for me to answer. It's sort of my own voice but sort of others as well. I guess it's kind of my own voice doing other voices, as if I were reading the book aloud to somebody and was trying to give a different voice to each character.

Answer 8

I always "hear" different voices for each. Sometimes, when a book has been made into a movie, it actually bugs me to watch the movie because the voices don't sound right to me. LOL

Answer 9

Usually I automatically choose a voice based on how the character is described or how I picture them.
If it reminds me of someone, from tv or movies or real life, i use that voice.

Answer 10

okay, i like this question. for the narrator, it is always my voice. then i make up voices for all the dialogue. if the book is a movie, i use the actor's voices. it's habitual, most of the time i don't even realize i'm doing it.