- Use italics. Italics are often used to indicate that a character is thinking something to themselves, rather than speaking it out loud. For example:
> "I'm so tired," she thought to herself. "I could really use a nap."
- Use internal monologue. Internal monologue is when a character's thoughts are written out in full, as if the reader were inside their head. This can be a very effective way to show what a character is thinking and feeling, but it should be used sparingly, as it can slow down the pacing of a story. For example:
> She wondered if she would ever find the courage to tell him how she felt. She had been in love with him for so long, but she was always too afraid to say anything. She didn't want to ruin their friendship.
- Use action beats. Action beats are short, descriptive phrases that can be used to show what a character is doing while they are thinking. This can help to make the dialogue more dynamic and interesting. For example:
> She shifted her weight from one foot to the other as she thought about what to say.
- Use gestures. Gestures can also be used to show what a character is thinking and feeling. For example, a character might tap their fingers on the table or bite their lip while they are thinking.
By using these techniques, you can show that someone is thinking and not speaking out loud, and add depth and richness to your dialogue.