How to portray...

[random_writer]

I have a complex character that I would very much like to bring into the world... and I (sort of) have. In my primary work, "Sense", the main character, Sophie, is supposed to seem detached from the world; unable to connect with the rest of the world in the normal fashion. She is extremely introverted, but not necessarily shy.

The problem is that I am not sure how to continue dialogue with Soph. She doesn't talk much in my imagination, you see, because I'm inside her brain. I know what she wants to say, but I don't know how to say it.

If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. :D

Oh, and this particular work is going to be written in present tense, which makes the whole thing that much more difficult. O_o

[seikoXchan]

Instead of lots of dialogue, you can just tell her thoughts... like what Stephenie Meyer does with Bella in the book Twilight.

[Andy]

You could also have her communicate through actions and gestures.

Question: Do you NEED her to speak to other people, or are you trying to use a certain kind of speech to develop her character?

[Zombified]

Simple solution.
As the person above me said, have lots of inner dialogue.

The Punisher comic books are like that. He is very detached from the world. He doesn't like people much. He talks to some people but he is very short with them.
Just have it so it looks like this when someone is talking to the MC.

"Hey, how's it going?"
"It's going".
"So you gonna go shopping with me tomorrow?"
"No."
"Why not? Busy?"
Joe Smoe shook his head and started walking away, trying to escape the terrible conversation.
"Joe! Come on!"
He didn't say a word. He threw up a wave and kept walking.

See?
It shows us that this person is anti-social, doesn't like people very much and just wants to be alone.

Give it a shot.

[electrilad]

Hmmm... lemma give it ago.

*Electrilad now being transformed into a shy and introspective person*

2 hours later...


"Hey, Electrilad!" Jenna shouted to me, but I can barely pay attention. I'm too focused on the ___ to notice anything.
"Electrilad?" she asks, stepping in front of me.
"Oh, hi," I mumble.
"Are you alive right now? You were about to run into a pole!"
"Oh," I look around, and notice the line of lamp posts running up the street.
"Well, what is it?" I ask.
"Just wanted to say hi."
"Oh. Okay," I reply, turning away from her and continuing down the street, returning to the thoughts of ___ bubbling inside my head.
"Weird," Jenna mumbles under her breath, and the corner of my mouth turns up.

[random_writer]

See, I am trying to develop her character through her style of speech. Sophie thinks in vivid words, and I want that to show through. Also, I already have one aspect of her dialogue decided on: Sophie rarely uses contractions. She also does not abbreviate.

[Zombified]

...
Jesus you're gonna have a hard time with this character.

Just take all the advice we've given you so far and mesh it together.

I dunno how a person who talks very formally and is very anti social will reach readers.
I find characters like that annoying.