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Question about the third person point of view and the thoughts of the protagonist

11 Years Ago


I've got a story written in third person and am experiencing a conundrum about presenting the protagonist's thoughts. Should I put her personal thought into italics and use "I?" These examples are two ways to write one passage:


THIS?
What should she do? She should go to the doctor. Tomorrow? Crouching on the bathroom floor she decides it can't wait for tomorrow. She clumsily dials Elaine, gets her answering machine. 

OR THIS?
What should I do? I should go to the doctor.Tomorrow? Crouching on the bathroom floor she decides it can't wait for tomorrow. She clumsily dials Elaine, gets her answering machine.

The story is Unlocking Bonnie, Chapter 1: Bonnie and the giant rodent. These examples are taken from the very last paragraph.  

Re: Question about the third person point of view and the thoughts of the protagonist

11 Years Ago


Given that George RR Martin uses italics in his Song of ice and fire books--which is series built on its extensive use of third person narrative--I'd say italics is the way to go.

Re: Question about the third person point of view and the thoughts of the protagonist

11 Years Ago


it's probably best to use 'deep third' technique...here's a link