Represented Speech: Capturing the Character's Voice
Represented speech, also known as reported speech or indirect discourse, is a technique used in writing to convey the thoughts, feelings, or words of a character without directly quoting them. It allows the author to "show" rather than "tell" what the character is thinking or saying, creating a more immersive and authentic experience for the reader.
Here's a breakdown of represented speech:
Key Features:
* Shift in tense and pronouns: The original speaker's words are presented in a different tense (usually past tense) and the pronouns are changed to reflect the narrator's perspective.
* Focus on the content, not the exact words: Represented speech emphasizes the meaning of the character's utterance rather than the specific language used.
* Use of introductory verbs: Words like "thought," "wondered," "asked," "remarked," "cried," etc., are used to introduce the character's thoughts or speech.
* Can be integrated seamlessly: Represented speech blends smoothly into the narrative, providing a more natural flow compared to direct quotes.
Examples:
* Direct Speech: "I'm so tired," she said.
* Represented Speech: She thought she was exhausted.
* Direct Speech: "Where is the nearest bus stop?" he asked.
* Represented Speech: He wondered where the nearest bus stop was.
Benefits of using represented speech:
* Creates a more natural flow in the narrative: Represented speech helps avoid choppy dialogue and makes the story feel more seamless.
* Provides insight into the character's thoughts: By capturing the character's internal voice, represented speech allows the reader to understand their motivations and feelings.
* Allows for a more nuanced portrayal of character: The author can use represented speech to subtly convey a character's thoughts, opinions, and biases.
In short, represented speech is a powerful tool that allows writers to create a more engaging and authentic reading experience by bringing the character's voice to life without resorting to direct quotes.