A Familiar Topic

[Raharanor]

(Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, and because I didn't notice earlier, happy birthday, Raharanor.)

Thanks very much Heiliane, 'tis good being 21!

Not much comes to mind at this time from my end on the topic at hand...if I have something more to contribute to discussion it will be forthcoming.

 

[The Silverlord]

I definitely disagree with you about telling people about what your character is thinking. Giving the room an idea of his thoughts will allow them to better see his expression, and body language.

The English language (as well as Spanish and French and probably just about all others, but I can only personally speak for those three) lacks the necessary words to properly describe somebody's expression and body language.

I would agree that a character's thoughts can help convey expression and body language, but it's not necessarily a good thing where those characteristics are implied, rather than outright stated.

And how do you define "proper"? There are many ways to convey expression and posture. Many interesting and diverse ways, and sometimes it's a good challenge. You not only have the thoughts of the character, but senses, emotions, actions, voice and tone to explore. (And I'm not even getting into poetry.)

She rested her hands on her hips, an absent pout forming. Her eyes were self-consciously narrowing, hers a pondering state. “How does that work then?†she asked at length, with a hint of defiance.

 

[Heiliane]

She rested her hands on her hips, an absent pout forming. Her eyes were self-consciously narrowing, hers a pondering state. “How does that work then?” she asked at length, with a hint of defiance.

What you’re describing are her thoughts and feelings. You’re describing exactly what I said without even realizing it.

Here, I’ve taken the liberty of re-writing it for you the way you meant to write it.

“She put her hands on her hips, slanted her eyebrows and pushed her lips out.'How does that work then?' ”

 

[The Silverlord]

Yes, but do you see there are no thoughts elaborated upon in that initial description. "Self-consciously" and "pondering" describe a state of thought and "defiance" describes an emotion. It's only through the posture (hands on hips), pouting, her voice and questioning tone will the reader come to a conclusion upon what she is actually thinking.

This is an example of using body language and expression as a workaround without any actual entry or exploration into the thoughts of the character.

And I'm not arguing because at the end of day, use any and all techniques to breathe life into your characters.

 

[Rhysis]

Wow I'm impressed, you managed to get multiple posts from Silver on one thread, congratulations.

I like the practice of using body language instead of thoughts. It's much more realistic.

 

[The Silverlord]

A feat for sure Rhysis! Mind, by contributing only OoC posts and nothing in-character, you'd still be entitled to lock me in stocks and chuck some mouldy cabbages at me or something.