Body
language versus interior thoughts
It is not a
true "either or". BUT.
If you are
writing in intimate third or first person, and not as an omniscient narrator,
then take care to get this right.
If the POV
character is observing another character’s actions he may describe body
language observed and may also delve into interior monologue.
If the POV
character is in the process of doing or thinking something, then he should not
use body language to describe himself unless he’s making a point about what he
wants his body language to mean.
Why?
Example: Let’s
call our point of view character, Mr. Pov.
Mr. Pov began
to swallow repeatedly when he saw the heroine approach. Why did he swallow?
Could it be he had indigestion, hiccups, guilt, became anxious, nervous, etc.
In intimate third person Mr. Pov should share with us his thoughts. Hiding his
thoughts is the same as hiding the story, because the story is being told and
shown to us through the eyes of Mr. Pov.
If Mr. Pov
witnesses the heroine swallowing repeatedly he can’t be sure why. He may
speculate. He may ask and hope he gets a truthful answer.
So many
authors who are fond of body language fall into this trap. They sprinkle body
language over every character, often because they think they’re showing not
telling. Don’t let it be you. Tell interior thoughts to develop and deepen the
character. Show body language to get a picture in the reader’s mind.
Mr. Pov cried
hoping the heroine would think he cared. In realty he planned his reaction to remake
his image. His acting lessons paid off. The truth was he cared for no one but
himself, but he wanted her money.
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