Why do some authors use quotes for dialog, italics, and for thoughts?

Answer by  patti (29325)

Dialogue is always in quotations to separate it from text and to properly credit it to the speaker. Thoughts, which are not spoken aloud, are often shown in italics, again to separate them from the rest of the text. Some writers have opted to forgo quotes and italics for various reasons.

Answer by  flamiss22 (5081)

It is mainly used for dramatic effect. Some authors also write in a certain style and this is their way of establishing a signature style. Writing styes are constantly evolving as writers push the boundaries on traditional accepted rules.

Answer by  Matt83 (112)

Quotes are used because when expressing what the character thinks or says, it separates it from the narrator of the story. The quotes show what the character actually says or thinks.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

Using italics for thoughts prevents any doubt as to whether the character said these things or only thought it. Using quotes for dialogue clearly indicates what was said, as compared to thought or described in the background. Some authors use quotes for thoughts to indicate it is what the character said to themselves.