Comparison workshop
Stream of ConsciousnessversusFree Indirect DiscourseWhat's the Difference?
Both can bring narration close to thought, but their defining mechanisms differ.
Read the pair
How They Differ
First idea
Stream of Consciousness
Represents the flow and association of thought, potentially through varied narrative forms.
versus
Second idea
Free Indirect Discourse
Blends third-person narration with a character's language without ordinary reporting markers.
See the signal
Examples
Stream of Consciousness
Train gone, rain again, the ticket dissolving in her hand—why now?
Free Indirect Discourse
Wonderful—the train had left early today of all days.