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When, in fiction writing, determining or considering how to write your character's thoughts, it is safe to say that you are in one of the realms most fraught with lurking danger. This is a part of writing where it is so easy to make a basic mistake that will lead to the whole passage - or even the whole work - being rendered ineffective and/or unbelievable. Extensive preparation and great care is therefore required in this respect if you are to manage the task effectively.

Writing our own thoughts can often be a difficult enough process without attempting to write those of another. The big advantage that any writer has, however, when attempting to write the thoughts of a character which they created is that essentially no one can tell them they are wrong. The writer created the character and therefore everything which contributes to their thought processes so can to some extent point to this factor in their defence.

What the writer has to do, however, is ensure that the thoughts they convey for the character are in keeping with the persona they have created for the character. If the reader can not believe that the thoughts of the character are likely in the person they have had described to them, this will turn them off to the story and perhaps prevent them from proceeding any further. The first step for the writer is therefore to get to know their character and the inner workings of his or her mind.

This is where initial character development becomes so important for the writer. They have to take the time in advance of beginning writing their prose to attribute individual characteristics to each prominent character within their tale. This should include background, habits, preferences and beliefs. Only in this respect will they later be able to put themselves in the character's position and even their head for a time in order to successfully convey their thought processes to the reader.

It will be especially difficult for the writer to write the thoughts of a character far removed from what they themselves are in life. This may be as simple as a man trying to write the thoughts of a woman, or it may be a perfectly sane person trying to describe the thoughts of a paranoid schizophrenic contemplating grisly murder. This is where reality, life experience, imagination and writing talent are all required to combine effectively on the writer's behalf.

When the writer has fully determined the nature of the character and the circumstances in which they find themselves, it is then time to essentially climb in to the character's head. This is not a process which can be rushed and some familiarisation time will be required. The writer should bear in mind who and what the character is, what they are thinking about at this time and how their thoughts are likely to progress in keeping with the nature of the being which they are.

Only then should the writer begin to write the thoughts of the character in question. This may be a laborious process in extreme circumstances and it is essential that distractions are kept to an absolute minimum; but with determination and talent, the writer should eventually get their in the end.

Revision is always important for a writer but in this case it is essential that extensive revision be performed on an ongoing basis as the narrative develops. As the story unfolds, the writer should revisit passages where they have written the thoughts of characters and ensure that they remain relevant and appropriate. In this respect, they will stand the best possible chance of successfully relating the thoughts of the characters as they are deemed to occur.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Hamilton.
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