1. Lack of Conventional Structure:
* No clear paragraphs, punctuation, or transitions: Thoughts flow freely, often mimicking the natural, unfiltered way our minds work.
* Jumbled sentences: Sentences can be fragmented, incomplete, or run-on, mirroring the way our minds jump from one idea to another.
* Nonlinear narrative: The story may jump back and forth in time, or switch between different perspectives abruptly.
2. Internal Monologue:
* Direct access to the character's thoughts: The reader is privy to the character's unfiltered thoughts, feelings, and memories.
* Sensory details: The character's senses play a significant role, including visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and gustatory experiences.
* Emotional flux: The character's emotions are expressed raw and unfiltered, reflecting the shifting tides of their feelings.
3. Free Association:
* Associations and metaphors: Ideas are connected through associations, often in a non-linear way, with metaphors appearing spontaneously.
* Juxtaposition: Contrasting images and ideas are juxtaposed, blurring the line between reality and dream.
* Symbolism: The use of symbolism can be dense and multifaceted, reflecting the character's internal world.
4. Fragmented Language:
* Short, clipped phrases: Language often reflects the rapid fire nature of thoughts.
* Repetition: Words and phrases may be repeated to emphasize the character's obsession or anxiety.
* Use of colloquialisms and slang: The language can be informal and reflect the character's personality or social context.
5. Ambiguity and Unresolved Issues:
* Open-endedness: The reader is left to interpret the character's thoughts and the meaning of the text.
* Blurred lines of reality: The reader may struggle to distinguish between the character's thoughts and actual events.
Important Note: It's crucial to remember that stream-of-consciousness is not a formula, but a technique. Authors employ it in different ways, creating diverse styles and experiences for readers.