1. Through the Character's Thoughts and Feelings:
* Internal Monologue: This is where the author directly presents the character's inner thoughts, often in first person. It allows readers to experience the world through the character's eyes and understand their motivations, biases, and emotional state.
* Stream of Consciousness: This technique presents a jumbled flow of thoughts, emotions, and sensory details, often mirroring the chaotic nature of the character's mind. It can be particularly useful for showcasing characters who are deeply troubled, confused, or experiencing a lot of internal conflict.
2. Through Actions and Behavior:
* Dialogue: The way a character speaks reveals their personality, attitude, education, and social background. Pay attention to word choices, tone, and the way they interact with other characters.
* Actions: What a character chooses to do, or doesn't do, reveals their values, beliefs, and priorities. Their actions also create consequences that shape the story and influence other characters.
* Reactions: How a character reacts to situations and other people reveals their emotional state and personality. A calm reaction might indicate someone is well-adjusted, while a volatile response could reveal anger or fear.
3. Through Descriptions and Observations:
* Physical Appearance: While not always directly related to a character's perspective, physical descriptions can often subtly convey personality traits. Think about how clothing choices, posture, or facial expressions can communicate information.
* Other Characters' Observations: The way other characters perceive and describe a particular character can offer valuable insight into their perspective. This can be done through direct dialogue or through the author's narration.
* Setting: The environment a character lives in, their surroundings, and the objects they interact with can also reveal aspects of their perspective. For example, a messy room might suggest someone who is chaotic or disorganized.
Examples:
* Internal Monologue: "He knew he shouldn't be here, but the urge to see her again was too strong. He hated himself for being so weak, but he couldn't help himself."
* Action: The young woman slammed the door shut and stormed away, leaving a trail of broken promises in her wake.
* Dialogue: "I don't understand why you're making such a fuss," she said, her voice laced with impatience. "It's just a small misunderstanding."
* Observation: He watched her from across the room, her face a mask of composure. He knew the storm brewing beneath the surface.
By understanding how authors use these techniques, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the characters in the stories you read and engage more fully with their perspectives and experiences.