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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


Your question is one we all struggle with, I think. I also don't think there is one right answer. If your narrator is omniscient-focused, then you can get away with just having the narrative voice wonder those things for your character. On the other hand, italics or even quotes would allow your main character to wonder these things for herself. I guess it really depends on how much connection you want your narrator to have with your character. Good luck!