Definition
Stream of consciousness presents the continuous flow of a character's thoughts, sensations, and associations with minimal logical ordering. Syntax may fragment as the mind moves by memory, image, and impulse rather than plot summary.
Example
Keys where keys bread milk did he call back the blue coat on the chair mimics mental drift more than polished narration.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Assuming stream of consciousness must abandon all punctuation and become unreadable.
- Using it for long stretches when a tighter limited POV would carry the same emotion with clearer stakes.