Question

Difference between stream of consciousness and internal monologue

Answer 1

Interior monologue is a stylised way of thinking out loud. (Technically: thinking ‘on the page’.)Some people call it ‘internal’ monologue. This is the same thing.Unlike stream-of-consciousness, an interior monologue can be integrated into a third-person narrative. The viewpoint character’s thoughts are woven into description, using the author’s own language.This is the essential difference between interior monologue and straight narrative:Straight Narrative = the narrator talking (You know ‘the narrator’ — that made-up character who sounds like the author — but please don’t mistake authors for narrators – not all authors are crazy axe-wielding, mentally unstable murderers, unlike many of their narrators.)Interior Monologue = a character talking/thinking, using words specific to that character, making assumptions, mistaken judgements, conclusions RIGHT FOR THAT CHARACTER.If interior monologue is done well, you won’t even notice it’s happening.