Indirect discourse
From Narrative
Indirect discourse, as opposed to direct discourse, presents a characters speech or thoughts in the third person.
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Definition
Indirect discourse typically involves some sort of qualifying information about a characters speech or thoughts as opposed to merely the reproduction of them, which is the job of direct discourse. Indirect discourse can also include narrator's commentary, or a more complete attempt to capture and/or interpret the mood or manner of the character's speech instead of the speech only. Third person pronouns are a strong indicator of indirect discourse.
Examples
Indirect discourse: "John said that he was doing it."
Direct discourse: "John said:--I am doing it." (Prince 21).
Critical Debates
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Related Terms
References
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